Visualising intangible cultural heritage: a conceptual framework on the adaptation of oral traditions into creative practices

Abstract

Folklore encompasses the knowledge, experiences, and creative thinking passed down from ancestors through generations via word of mouth. It serves as a means of preserving cultural traditions and expressing socio-cultural aspects of a society. One such folklore narrative deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka is the story of Kuweni. Kuweni, the unacknowledged queen who aided King Vijaya in his conquest of the island, holds historical, literal, geographical, and cultural significance. This narrative highlights the anthropological value inherent in folk traditions. Moreover, the story has been documented in ancient literature, lending factual credibility to the character of Kuweni. It has also served as an inspiration for dramatic performances, films, songs, and paintings exploring Kuweni's emotional dilemmas. However, there is a lack of comprehensive academic study on transforming folklore characters into creative disciplines. This research employs a qualitative approach to study the literature and folk narratives surrounding Kuweni, utilizing folklore categorization techniques such as the scientific and social scientific approaches with thematic analysis to identify the main themes. As a result of that, Thematic Metaphorical Approach (TMA) helps to identify and explore the central themes associated with folklore characters. This conceptual framework is applicable to in-depth exploration of any significant folklore character, providing a solid foundation for creative industries to delve into their themes without encountering pitfalls.