The UNESCO Convention for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage (2003 Convention) was adopted in 2003 and entered into force in 2006. The primary goals of this Convention are to find new ways to talk about and celebrate "traditional culture," as well as to celebrate cultural diversity around the world. UNESCO constantly updates its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage which aims to protect and raise awareness about ancient practices and knowledge.
With the World Heritage Week underway, let us look at what forms a significant part of a region's character and what we regard as our intangible heritage.
For instance, culinary traditions form a big part of a region's heritage. Then there are craft and textile traditions. There are different types of embroidery styles which are also a world of heritage art. More than just decorative elements, these are regarded as a symbol of a region's history and identity. And their preservation helps to strengthen the community's self-image. Here are five ancient embroideries recognised by UNESCO as intangible heritage. If you visit any of these places, be sure to learn more about them and bring back a piece of these incredible artworks with you.
This folk art is from the Roman Catholic Matyó community in and around Mezkövesd, Hungary. Floral motifs found in flat-stitch embroidery and ornamented objects distinguish Matyó embroidery, which adorns the region's traditional dress worn by locals in celebrations as well as at folk dancing and singing events. Matyó or Matyóság is the collective term for the ethnographic group that emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries in the historic market town of Mezkövesd in east-central Hungary.
Tatreez was first practised in Palestine over 3,000 years ago. Motifs are both region-specific and symbolic of significant events, such as a wedding or pregnancy. Tatreez is stitched without a frame or hoop using the sewing method where the needle is brought in and out of the fabric in one motion, giving it a lovely nubbly texture. UNESCO recognises it as "a widespread social and intergenerational practice in Palestine," which, prior to 1948, was a significant part of rural and Bedouin women's lives in the region. Its main canvas was the "thoub," which was worn on a daily basis as well as on special occasions.
Hailing from Tajikistan, Chakan is the practice of sewing ornaments, images of flowers and symbolic drawings with colourful threads on fabrics. Used to decorate clothing and household items, it features symbolic depictions and mythological images relating to nature and cosmos, and express people’s wishes and hopes.
Talli is a traditional handicraft practised in various parts of the UAE. Also known as Alseen, it is typically made with six cotton threads separated by a silver thread in the middle. These are expertly woven into colourful shapes with symbolic meanings related to desert and sea life. Cultural events, festivals, and competitions are used to promote the practise.
Zmijanje embroidery is practised by the women of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Zmijanje villages. The main feature is the use of a deep blue thread that has been hand-dyed with vegetable dyes to embroider improvised geometrical shapes. The wealth and variety of the embroidered designs determine the social standing of the village women. Embroidery is typically done in groups of women who needlework while singing and chatting.