Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee Inscribes New Cultural Elements from along the Silk Roads
© Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkey 2017During its 14th session held from 9 - 14 December in Bogota, Columbia the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage inscribed 35 new cultural elements onto its ‘Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’. A number of these newly inscribed elements of Intangible Cultural Heritage are practiced in regions along the Silk Roads and form part of the rich heritage of both the overland and maritime routes, including elements of Traditional Sports and Games, Gastronomy and Food Production and Music and Dance.
Some examples of newly inscribed elements from regions along the Silk Roads include:
Ak-kalpak craftsmanship is a traditional Kyrgyz handicraft. The Ak-kalpak is a traditional male hat made with white felt, and which bears deep sacral meanings. Ak-kalpak craftsmanship includes a body of knowledge and skills pertaining to felting, cutting and sewing, and pattern embroidery. Ak-kalpak fosters inclusivity and unites different Kyrgyz tribes and communities. Traditionally, the knowledge and skills involved are transmitted from mother to daughter in craftswomen communities.
Khorazm dance, Lazgi - Uzbekistan
The movements of the Khorazm dance, Lazgi, exemplify human creativity and reflect the surrounding nature, feelings of love and happiness. Centuries old, the Lazgi dance represents real life in all its movements, and is informed by the social life and activities of local communities. Two types of the dance exist: the ‘scenery’ dance, involving concrete movements, and its interpretive form, focusing on improvisation and variation in movements.
Traditional Skills of Crafting and Playing Dotar - Iran (Islamic republic of)
The traditional skills of crafting and playing the Dotār are one of the most prominent social and cultural components of the folkloric music among the ethnic groups and communities of the Dotār regions. Bearers and practitioners are mostly farmers, including male crafters and male and female players. The Dotār is a folkloric plucked musical instrument with a pear-shaped bow crafted with dried wood or mulberry tree, a neck made of apricot or walnut wood, and two strings.
Traditional Turkish archery - Turkey
Traditional Turkish archery – practised both on foot and on horseback – encompasses principles, rituals and social practices, the craftsmanship of traditional equipment manufacture, archery disciplines and shooting techniques that have evolved over centuries. Traditional archery equipment, generally decorated with calligraphy, ornaments and marquetry, is also a key component of the element, requiring specific skills and knowledge.
Traditional Turkmen Carpet Making Art - Turkmenistan
Traditional Turkmen carpet making art in Turkmenistan involves the production of traditional, beautifully ornamented, hand-woven woollen Turkmen carpets and carpet products. The carpets are dense in texture and decorated with coloured patterns pertaining to one of the five main Turkmen tribes, serving as a sign of cultural identity. The context in which the carpet weaver lives, including local flora and fauna, is reflected in the carpet design. The carpets serve both as floor coverings and wall decorations, and special carpets are also woven for specific occasions.
Silat is a combative art of self-defence and survival rooted in the Malay Archipelago. Traced back to the early days of the Langkasuka Kingdom, Silat has now evolved into a fine practice of physical and spiritual training associated with traditional Malay attire, musical instruments and customs. There are many styles of Silat, named after natural elements such as animals and plants from the area where they are practiced. Many practitioners have been trained, and Silat is now a popular sport for health and leisure.
Gnawa refers to a set of musical events, performances, fraternal practices and therapeutic rituals mixing the secular with the sacred. Gnawa is first and foremost a Sufi brotherhood music combined with lyrics with a generally religious content, invoking ancestors and spirits. Originally practised by groups and individuals from slavery and the slave trade dating back to at least the 16th century, Gnawa culture is now considered as part of Morocco’s multifaceted culture and identity.
Armenian Letter Art and its Cultural Expressions - Armenia
Armenian letter art and its cultural expressions constitutes the centuries-old art of Armenian letters, Armenian scripts, the rich culture of decorating letters and its various uses. The element is based on the Armenian alphabet created in 405 AD by Mesrop Mashtots, following the ‘one-letter-for-one-sound’ principle. The element is also distinguished by its wide range of ornamental scripts, generally classified by their shapes; knots, birds, animals, people, and mythical or imaginary creatures.
Traditional Technique of Making Airag in Khokhuur and its Associated Customs - Mongolia
Traditional technique of making Airag in Khokhuur and its associated customs includes the traditional method of making airag – a fermented beverage made from mare’s milk – and the related equipment, such as the khokhuur (cowhide vessel), buluur (paddle) and khovoo (kibble), associated with the social customs and rituals.
Traditions of Pencak Silat - Indonesia
In addition to their sporting element, Traditions of Pencak Silat also encompass mental-spiritual, self-defence and artistic aspects. The moves and styles of Pencak Silat are strongly influenced by various elements of art, involving a unity of body and movement fitting the accompanying music
These newly inscribed elements of Intangible Cultural Heritage can all serve as inspiration for participants of the Youth Eyes on the Silk Roads photo contest, which is currently accepting submissions. A full list of all the newly inscribed elements of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity can be found on the UNESCO ICH site.
