A Living Human Treasure is, according to UNESCO, a person who has a high degree of knowledge and the skills required to act or recreate specific elements of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.[1] This title or similar ones are granted by the government of a country to a person who is considered a national treasure while they are still alive. The title is also known as Living National Treasure.

In 1950, the government of Japan began designating certain individuals or groups who embodied the country's intangible cultural values ​​as living human treasures "Living National Treasure (Japan)"). This designation was complementary to the one that named buildings or places of great cultural and historical value as national treasures. Living human treasures therefore became eligible for special protection and government support.[2] Some of the ancient crafts that were initially protected were pottery, music, handmade paper, dolls, and traditional swords, but they have been expanded to also include singing, dancing, cooking, and other categories.

Several countries have followed suit with their own official programs recognizing intangible cultural values ​​and the people who represent them, including France, the Philippines, Romania,[3]​ South Korea and Thailand, among others.

In 1993, the South Korean government proposed to UNESCO's Executive Board the establishment of a codified "Living Human Treasures" program for all Member States. The council has adopted a decision and member states were invited to establish and promote their own national systems. Through its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity section, UNESCO presented definitions and guidelines to support such living human treasure programs.[4]​.

Member States, at the 32nd General Conference of UNESCO held in October 2003, agreed on the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The definitions of what constitutes a Living Human Treasure are:[4]​.

• - Depository of the Tradition of Popular Arts and Crafts (Czech Republic)[5]​.

• - Living human treasure (Cambodia)[6]​.

• - Living national treasure "Living National Treasure (Japan)") (Japan).

• - Living national treasure (South Korea).

• - Master artist (France).

• - National Artist (Thailand).

• - National Living Treasure (Philippines).

• - Living human treasure "Living human treasures (Chile)") (Chile).