Photograph by Joy McCann. Movable heritage is a term used to define any natural or manufactured object of heritage significance. It does not include archaeological relics found underwater or underground. Like other types of heritage, it provides historical information about people's experiences, ways of life and relationships with the environment. It also helps us to learn about people who may have been left out of written historical accounts, including women and migrant communities.
Movable heritage can prompt memories and reflect family and community histories.
Movable heritage can be as important for indigenous people as land and cultural sites. It assists them to keep their culture alive and maintain traditions and practices. Because movable heritage is portable, it is easily sold, relocated or thrown away during changes of ownership, fashion and use. For this reason, movable heritage is vulnerable to loss, damage, theft and dispersal, often before its heritage significance is appreciated. Movable heritage items may be an integral part of the significance of heritage places.