Qālišuyān rituals of Mašhad-e Ardehāl in Kāšān

Inscribed in 2012 (7.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of HumanityQālišuyān rituals are practised in Iran to honour the memory of Soltān Ali, a holy figure among the people of Kāšān and Fin. According to legend, he was martyred, and his body found and carried in a carpet to a stream, where it was washed and buried by the people of Fin and Xāve. Today, Soltān Ali mausoleum is the site of a ritual where a carpet is washed in the holy stream by a huge gathering. It takes place on the nearest Friday to the seventeenth day of the month of Mehr, according to the solar-agricultural calendar. In the morning, people of Xāve gather at the mausoleum to sprinkle rosewater on the carpet. Having completed the wrapping rituals, they deliver it to the people of Fin outside, who rinse the carpet in running water, and sprinkle rosewater drops with neatly cut and beautifully decorated wooden sticks. The carpet is then returned to the mausoleum. People of Kāšān contribute a prayer-carpet and the

Naqqāli, Iranian dramatic story-telling

Inscribed in 2011 (6.COM) on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent SafeguardingNaqqāli is the oldest form of dramatic performance in the Islamic Republic of Iran and has long played an important role in society, from the courts to the villages. The performer – the Naqqāl – recounts stories in verse or prose accompanied by gestures and movements, and sometimes instrumental music and painted scrolls. Naqqāls function both as entertainers and as bearers of Persian literature and culture, and need to be acquainted with local cultural expressions, languages and dialects, and traditional music. Naqqāli requires considerable talent, a retentive memory and the ability to improvise with skill to captivate an audience. The Naqqāls wear simple costumes, but may also don ancient helmets or armoured jackets during performances to help recreate battle scenes. Female Naqqāls perform before mixed audiences. Until recently, Naqqāls were deemed the most important guardians of folk-tales, ethnic epics and I

Nawrouz, Novruz, Nowrouz, Nowrouz, Nawrouz, Nauryz, Nooruz, Nowruz, Navruz, Nevruz, Nowruz, Navruz

Inscribed in 2016 (11.COM) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of HumanityNew Year is often a time when people wish for prosperity and new beginnings. March 21 marks the start of the year in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. It is referred to as Nauryz, Navruz, Nawrouz, Nevruz, Nooruz, Novruz, Nowrouz or Nowruz meaning ‘new day’ when a variety of rituals, ceremonies and other cultural events take place for a period of about two weeks. An important tradition practised during this time is the gathering around ‘the Table’, decorated with objects that symbolize purity, brightness, livelihood and wealth, to enjoy a special meal with loved ones. New clothes are worn and visits made to relatives, particularly the elderly and neighbours. Gifts are exchanged, especially for children, featuring objects made by artisans. There are also street performances of music and dance, publi

The Eel Coast Cultural Heritage

The Eel Coast Cultural Heritage refers to the more than 3000 years old eel fishing tradition in the Southeastern Sweden. At least since the Scandinavian Bronze Age, eel has been fished for its meat and richness of healthy proteins, Omega 3 and D-vitamines. The traditions along the so called Eel Coast between Åhus and Kivik on the East coast of the landscape Scania, Sweden, are collected by the Eel Coast Cultural Heritage NGO and consist of knowlegde of tools, nets, boats, boat houses, craftmanship, mending of nets and tools, the currents and sea, songs, cooking, oral storytelling.

The Eel Coast Cultural Heritage

The Eel Coast Cultural Heritage refers to the more than 3000 years old eel fishing tradition in the Southeastern Sweden. At least since the Scandinavoan Bronze Age, eel has been fished for its meat and richness of healthy proteins, Omega 3 and D-vitamines. The traditions along the so called Eel Coast between Åhus and Kivik on the East coast of the landscape Scania, Sweden, are collected by the Eel Coast Cultural Heritage NGO and consist of knowlegde of tools, nets, boats, boat houses, craftmanship, mending of nets and tools, the currents and sea, songs, cooking, oral storytelling.

Jiseung

Jiseung, or Korean paper basketry, is an indigenous art form practiced in Korea for centuries and is sometimes referred to as noyeokgae. It involves twisting and twining lengths of hanji (Korean paper) into objects needed in households. Beyond using long lengths of corded hanji for rope, which were turned into mesh bags and undergarments, hanji twists were woven into vessels, mats, tea tables, pillowcases, shoes, quivers, brush holders, baskets, wallets, backpacks, purses, lanterns, chamber pots, bowls, and teapots.

Tornohan

“In some places, exchange-labor relationships may not be structured as a network (with fuzzy boundaries) but may be quite elaborately organized, as is the case in Luisiana, Laguna (Duhaylungsod, 1981 in Olofson, 1983, p. 169). Here the arrangement is called tornohan, and a group of farmers democratically elect a facilitator (kabisilya), (whose) office rotates among them. They have a set term of agreement for a period of work, meet on the same two days of every week, always hold a festivity at the end of every turn and rotation, and have regular meetings to analyze problems encountered in the work and to decide on the remaining schedule. Besides the expansion and cultivation of upland and wet-rice parcels, the tornohan involves work in coconut plantations and in making fishponds in damming streams” (Olofson, 1983, p. 169).  Text submitted by Raizel Albano, Founder and Director of Anthro on Foot Audio Walking Tours

Harmonic Swiddens

“Harmonic swiddens (are) precursors to indigenous agroforestry” (Olofson, 1983, p. 154). “Swiddens—clearings made in the forest by shifting cultivators—may be of two types, depending on the cultural traditions of the farmer. Harmonic swiddens are simultaneous polycultures that have the characteristics listed above for AFS*. Disharmonic swiddens may have evolved from harmonic ones, with the farmer learning to specialize to the point of monoculture or near-monoculture, with one species such as sweet potato, upland rice, or corn dominating in the field… The harmonic swidden is much more capable than the disharmonic of regenerating into natural forest during the fallow period” (ibid.).  “The Tiruray of Mindanao have been described as having another kind of what I call resonance between the forest and the cultivated areas. This involves a virtual exchange of planting materials between the two sites. Four bamboo species, the fruit trees Averrhoa carambola, narra, and Gendarussa vulgaris are taken from the forest an

Primus Occupantis

“The general pattern in the establishment of rights to land in the Cordillera is primus occupantis (i.e., the first to occupy the land by clearing and using it). Titles are embedded in rituals and are orally transmitted. The various groups have different land-use systems and different kinds of rights attached to land—for foraging, swiddening, wet-rice agriculture, mining, and grazing cattle and water buffalo. It is not uncommon for some ethnic groups to have multiple land-use systems, each governed by different rules” (Prill-Brett, 1994, p. 689).   Text submitted by Raizel Albano, Founder and Director of Anthro on Foot Audio Walking Tours

Subsistence (or Kinship) Mode of Production

“Indigenous communities are generally subsistence production societies… Because forests are a highly diversified environment, they provide opportunities for a variety of productive activities such as forest resource extraction, horticulture, hunting and fishing. Traditionally, the exploitation of the natural environment is carried out on a small scale because the fundamental goal is simple production to maintain the household and not production of surplus for the market. By its nature, this mode of production tends not to over-exploit the available resources. Such a level of resource exploitation does more to assure long-term sustainability of production, although it is considered underproductive from the standpoint of formal economics” (Duhaylungsod, 1998; Duhaylungsod & Hyndman, 1995 in Duhaylungsod, 2001, p. 612).“This subsistence mode of production of indigenous peoples is largely based on an ideology of reciprocal exchange. As in access to land use, the entire production system of indigenous peoples is s

Baybayin

Baybayin is one of the Philippines’ most widely used ancient scripts, as used in the Laguna Copperplate (shown in the photo) codifying the payment of a certain debt. Stemming from the Tagalog word “baybay,” meaning “to spell,” archaeological and historical records suggest that the Baybayin was used between the 14th to 16th centuries, coinciding with the Filipinos’ active trade with their Malaysian and Indonesian neighbors, who were then using the Kawi script. The emergence of the Baybayin and Kawi scripts testify to maritime Southeast Asia’s interactions with Indian traders as both scripts appear to descend from the Brahmic or Indic script, a script widely used in India during the reign of Emperor Ashoka.As of this writing, only four indigenous groups are known to be using this script (Brookes, 2021; Griffiths, 2018; Hartmann, 1986; Kuipers & Bhaskararao, 2003; Postma, 1992; Wade, 1993).      Text by Raizel Albano, Founder and Director of Anthro on Foot Audio Walking Tours

Mayvanuvanua

“The term mataw refers to the method of hook-and-line fishing for dorado (Coryphaena hippurus) and to the fisher using this method” (Mangahas, 2008, p. 380). “Traditionally in Batanes the mataw method of fishing has a collective aspect: before the fishing season begins fishers must first get together to “make the port” (Mayvanuvanua). Presently there are only four mataw ports or vanua in Batan Island: Chanpa-n, Manichit, Maratay, and Diora, located on the Valugan (roughly the east) side of Batan Island” (ibid.).  “By making the vanua (Mayvanuvanua), the mataw transform the vanua, which is a natural geological feature of the landscape, into a sacred and sensitive place” (ibid., p. 380-382). Text submitted by Raizel Albano, Founder and Director of Anthro on Foot Audio Walking Tours

Payuhwan

“The general term for cooperative work among the Ivatan is payuhwan, wherein the group extends or rotates the cooperative work to its members. The sound of the vudyadong or Triton’s trumpet shell signals the start and end of the cooperative work and the time to rest among the payuhwan” (Tabios, 2020). “In case one member cannot attend the payuhwan on the scheduled date, the member must send a representative or substitute” (ibid.), reflecting the community's deeply rooted regard for harmony and unity. Text submitted by Raizel Albano, Founder and Director of Anthro on Foot Audio Walking Tours

Solbeg

The Kankana-eys, an indigenous group from the northern Philippines, resort to a sharing system called solbeg. As the baknang (a member of a wealthy household) entrusts one cattle head to his/her caretaker, the latter ensures that the cattle head produces three offspring: two of which, along with the original head, are given back to the baknang, while the remaining head is to be kept by the caretaker. Through the solbeg sharing system, the baknang and the caretaker share in the responsibility of growing more cattle (Bagamaspad and Pawid 1985), benefitting their respective families and the community.   Text by Raizel Albano, Founder and Director of Anthro on Foot Audio Walking Tours

Tongtong

The tongtong is the primary justice system used by indigenous communities in the Cordillera Administrative Region in the Philippines for conflict resolution. With customary laws serving as its basis, the tongtongan (or the “council of elders”) serves as judges, mediators, and counselors.As outlined by Rice (1974), the tongtongan follows these basic principles: (1) Judgment is immediate, final, and executory; (2) All hearings are held in public; (3) Restoration is immediate and accomplished through a celebration involving the entire community; (4) The kin of the guilty party is involved in the payment of fines, while the kin of the offended party is the recipient of a portion of the fine; and, (5) Pig, which is a portion of the fine, is butchered for the celebration.After settlement, a member of the tongtongan pours water on both parties’ hands to symbolize the cleansing of past hurts. They also drink tapey/tapuey/tapuy, a traditional rice wine, from the same glass, to embody friendship and camaraderie from he

Cañao

“Cañao is a festival or ceremony, a liturgy or service, a rite or ritual and offering. It is a celebration for productive economic activities where animals are offered in thanksgiving known as Iya-ey (the term used among the Kankana-eys). Th(i)s is also done during marriages, healing, birth, burial, and voyage where prayer plays a significant role. They invoke spirits with offerings of animals, food, and other material things prescribed by (local) priests” (Igorot Cordillera BIMAAK Europe, 2013).“Dancing is also part of Cañao. There is this two-person dance of a man and a woman. The man hangs blankets woven in an indigenous pattern or design over each shoulder while the woman wraps a single similar blanket around her waist. The man leads the woman, and they dance in a circular motion with a hop-skip tempo to the beat of sticks and gongs. The dancing continues until a member of the audience decides to honor the dancers with a shout, “Ooo wag, Hoy! Hoy,” ending the dancing" (ibid.).Text submitted by Raizel Alba

Mangejing

Mangejing is one of the most significant socio-cultural rituals of the Marapu Indigenous Religion community of Kanatang district, East Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. This ritual used to be undertaken on an annual basis synchronised to the agricultural harvest, but in recent decades has only been performed around once every decade. Mangejing takes place over a period of one week and at a series of set locations which have historic and religious significance in and around a clan village. Although many aspects of the event are undertaken by specialists in oral tradition, music, song and ritual, the entire village and representatives from surrounding clans also take part. Mangejing incorporates a wide range of intangible and tangible cultural expressions including ritual parallel speech, song, music, dance, traditional games, weaving, carving, goldsmithing and the performative aspects of ritual. Marapu ritual specialist Umbu Timbu Wohangara explains the purpose of the ritual: “There are several re

Angkuoch (Cambodian Jew's Harp)

Although the musical instrument popularly known as the “Jew’s Harp” is found in many countries around the world, the Cambodian version is unique. Called Angkuoch, it is a precious part of Cambodia’s living cultural heritage.Nowadays, Angkuoch and its associated practices require urgent safeguarding actions. Due to social and cultural shifts in Cambodia over the last half-century, including the devastation of the Khmer Rouge era in the 1970s, only a handful of people still know how to make and play Angkuoch. In Cambodia, Angkuoch is (or has been) found in several provinces both among the majority Khmer people and some ethnic minorities.Angkuoch was once a popular local pastime in village communities. Traditional social functions for playing Angkuoch include as a rural pastime, young men, and to accompany simple folk songs. Players and makers of Angkuoch are typically men, though there appear to be no cultural restrictions on women playing or making the instruments.There are at least three types of Cambodian An

Etëtung (Vanuatu Women's Water Music)

Etëtung, known in English as Vanuatu Women’s Water Music, is a sonically and visually striking performance tradition that is found in several communities in the Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu. Standing in a circle or semi-circle in waist-deep water, the women rhythmically slap the surface of the water using a variety of hand techniques that create a diversity of sounds. These sounds reflect those in the natural local environment – the call of a particular species of bird, for example, an oncoming cyclone, or waves over the reef at low tide. Contemporary Etëtung performances often comprise a handful of “pieces” each lasting a minute or two (though this depends on performance context and function). Typically, each piece features a distinct rhythm (or set of rhythms) accompanied by a simple chanted or intoned melodic phrase. One community whose practice of Etëtung as become particularly renowned is that of Leweton village, on the island of Espiritu Santo. Since the founding in 2008 of the cultural tourism ente

Kimchi / Kimjang

Kimchi, a fermented vegetable dish in Korean cuisine, symbolizes the country's identity and heritage, showcasing the importance of cultural preservation. Apart from its rich cultural significance, kimchi is also prized for its nutritional value, abundant in vitamins A and C, and beneficial bacteria from fermentation, promoting gut health. Kimjang, the communal tradition of making and sharing kimchi before winter, fosters community unity and cooperation, reinforcing the significance of food in nurturing social bonds and preserving cultural practices.

Ssireum

Ssireum, Korean traditional wrestling, holds several meanings and importances within Korean culture. It embodies a rich historical legacy, promoting physical strength, discipline, and camaraderie. Beyond its physical aspects, Ssireum symbolizes the preservation of Korean heritage and serves as a medium for fostering a sense of national identity and pride. As a sport deeply rooted in tradition, it promotes sportsmanship, cultural exchange, and a strong sense of community, emphasizing the values of respect and perseverance. Furthermore, Ssireum plays a role in promoting health and well-being, encouraging a balanced lifestyle and the pursuit of physical fitness.

Tango

Tango, originating from the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and Montevideo in the late 19th century, carries multiple meanings and holds significant importance:Cultural expression: Tango serves as a powerful cultural expression of the Argentine and Uruguayan people, reflecting their history, struggles, and emotions. It embodies the fusion of various cultural elements, including African, European, and indigenous influences, making it a symbol of cultural diversity and identity.Social significance: Tango has historically been a dance of the people, originating in marginalized communities and providing a form of emotional expression and connection. It has served as a way to break social barriers and create a sense of community among people from diverse backgrounds.Artistic form: Tango is not just a dance but also a musical genre, comprising intricate rhythms, melodies, and poetic lyrics. It has become a celebrated art form globally, appreciated for its passionate and evocative expression, both in its

ARIRANG

"Arirang" is one of the best-known traditional folk songs of South Korea, representing a symbolic and cultural hallmark of the country. The song holds deep historical and emotional significance for the Korean people. "Arirang" is used musically to express themes of longing, separation, pain, and hope, resonating with Koreans as an embodiment of their homeland and collective sentiments.The song has also been employed during Korea's independence movement and, post the Korean War, as a symbol of hope for reunification. Consequently, "Arirang" plays a vital role in providing emotional solace and fostering a sense of unity while evoking profound emotions about their homeland and history. Koreans use this song to share their feelings about their homeland, family, love, and aspirations.Furthermore, "Arirang" is considered a significant representation of Korean culture. The song serves to preserve and propagate traditional music and folklore, playing a crucial role in strengthening Korea's cultural identity and intro

HANJI

Korean Hanji, also known as Hanji or Korean traditional paper, is a unique and culturally significant material that has played a central role in Korean history, art, and craftsmanship for centuries. It is made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree (Morus alba), which is native to Korea. Hanji is renowned for its exceptional durability, texture, and versatility, and it holds a special place in Korean culture for several reasons.Historical Significance: Hanji has a long and storied history in Korea, dating back over a millennium. The paper-making tradition in Korea predates the invention of printing, and Hanji was used for a wide range of purposes, including writing, painting, calligraphy, and preserving important documents. This historical significance has made it a symbol of Korean heritage.Cultural Heritage: Hanji is deeply intertwined with Korean culture. Its production and use are closely associated with Korean traditions and customs, including the making of traditional clothing (hanbok), umbrella

Zaouli - The History Of The Zaouli Dance Of Côte d'Ivoire

The Zaouli dance is a traditional mask dance from Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa. It is performed by the Guro people and is an essential part of their cultural heritage. The dance features an ornate wooden mask with a highly stylized representation of a beautiful woman's face, adorned with a tall headdress and intricate detailing.Zaouli is typically performed at various social and religious ceremonies, such as weddings, funerals, and festivals. The dancer, often dressed in vibrant, flowing attire, moves with incredible grace and agility, imitating the mask's elegant features and expressions. The dance involves intricate footwork, rapid spins, and rhythmic hand claps accompanied by traditional music, including drums and percussion instruments.Zaouli is not only a form of entertainment but also a means of passing down cultural stories and preserving the Guro people's traditions. The dance has gained international recognition for its artistic beauty and cultural significance, making it an integral part of Ivorian he

Gbofe of Afounkaha, the music of the transverse trumps of the Tagbana community, a cultural heritage in need of safeguarding

Gbofe of Afounkaha holds deep cultural and social significance in Cote d'Ivoire. It serves as a powerful medium for communication, conveying messages of praise, love, satire, mourning, and moral or educational teachings during various rituals and traditional ceremonies. Gbofe plays a vital role in conferring respect for the holders of tradition, fostering cultural unity, peace, and social cohesion among different communities and people. Additionally, it represents a crucial part of the cultural identity of the Tagbana community, preserving their historical narratives, values, and artistic expressions across generations.

Zaouli, cultural heritage of Côte d’Ivoire

The Zaouli dance of Côte d'Ivoire holds deep cultural and social significance, symbolizing various meanings and serving important roles within Ivorian communities. Its meanings and importance can be summarized as follows:Cultural Identity and Heritage: The Zaouli dance embodies the cultural identity and heritage of the communities in Côte d'Ivoire, reflecting their traditional values, beliefs, and practices. It serves as a powerful symbol of the region's rich cultural legacy, connecting the present generation with its historical and traditional roots.Celebration of Femininity and Beauty: The dance is often associated with the celebration of feminine beauty and grace, as it is performed by individuals adorned in elaborate masks and costumes representing idealized concepts of beauty. Through its intricate movements and rhythmic expressions, the Zaouli dance honors the beauty and elegance of women, portraying them as central figures in Ivorian culture.Social Cohesion and Unity: The Zaouli dance fosters social co

2019 JIAPICH Finalist- Contact Base of India

2020 JIAPICH Finalist- NGO Impacto of Mexico

2020 JIAPICH Finalist- Mr. Hieu Duc Vu, Director of Muong Cultural Space Museum of Vietnam

2020 JIAPICH Finalist- ASAMA of Burkina Faso

Art of crafting and playing Mbira/Sansi, the finger-plucking traditional musical instrument in Malawi and Zimbabwe

Khaen music of the Lao people

Ala-kiyiz and Shyrdak, art of Kyrgyz traditional felt carpets

Making of Rattan Products

Mongolian Traditional Practices of Worshipping the Sacred Sites

Angklung: Indonesian Bamboo Musical Instrument

The Art of Brazilian Capoeira Circle

Beer Culture in Belgium

The oldest sport in Ireland: Hurling

Rebetiko: Urban Greek music

Traditional Mauritian Sega: The Talented Mauritian Music

The King Hung Temple Festival of Phu Tho Vietnam

The Carnival of Basel: Three best days in the year of Switzerland

Kumbh Mela: India’s pilgrimage to the holy waters

Knucklebone shooting: embodiment of folk Mongolian national folk game

Kolo: Serbian circle dance

The Big songs of Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan: Katta Ashula

Flamenco of Spain: Andalusia Region State of Mind in motion

Chogan: Horse Riding Sport and Cultural Ambassador of Iran

Chidaoba: Art of Georgian Jacket Wrestling

Kurenti: Door to Door custom of Slovenia

Comedic Actors on the ropes: Jultagi

Coming of age for Japanese youth, Raiho-Shin

Love Ballad of Malaysia: Dondang Sayang

Al Azi: Poetry of Arab Pride

The Lithuanian folk dance revival by the Lithuanian Ethnic Culture Society

Baile Chino, the dance and dreams of Chile

Khon, the art of Thai masked choreographed movements

The Nan Pa’ch ceremony of Guatemala

National inventory: places, rituals, practices

Traditional Turkish Çini-making Craftsmanship

Vallenatos Music of the Greater Magdalena

The Chhau dance: The symbolism in bodily motions of our surroundings

Chinese Shadow Puppetry

Good practice from Finland: On Crafting – Discussion cards

Study on status and value of Seodang culture and study of utilization plan

Baul songs of Bangladesh: Oral tradition of Bengalis mysticism

Symbol of Costa Rican Hardwork: Las Carretas

Bigwala : The warm welcome of royal African hospitality, dance, and song

Bistritsa Babi, archaic polyphony, dances and rituals from the Shoplouk region

Good practice from Norway: Dual-language, multi-ethnic storytelling

Traditional Musical Instrument Masters' Knowledge and Technique

Falconry, a living human heritage

Tango