ALGIERS – Wednesday, 06 December 2023 (APS) – During the 18th periodic meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, being held on 4-10 December, in Kasane (Botswana), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) registered Tuesday the application for “metal engraving: gold, silver and copper, know-how, arts and practices” on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in the name of Algeria and nine other Arab countries, the Ministry of Culture and Arts said in a statement.
“Metal engraving” brings Algeria’s UNESCO-listed elements to 10, namely the traditional song “Ahil” of Guerara, Tlemcen’s wedding costume (Chedda), the Prophet’s birthday “Seboua” celebration in Timimoune, the procession of Ouled Sidi Sheikh, the celebration of Sbiba, the song of Rai and the traditional irrigation and water distribution system “Fougara”, in addition to three elements, which are in common with neighbouring countries “imzad”, “couscous” and “Arabic calligraphy”.
This registration “is part of the efforts of the State of Algeria to preserve these ancient trades and traditions, symbolizing Algeria, its culture, identity and history, as an identity guide embodying memory, traditions and customs.” This initiative aims to “support joint Arab cultural action in bolstering components and practices regarding the Arab culture, in addition to promoting them in the culture and cultural heritage of humanity,” the statement said.
This shared file has been registered in the name of Algeria, as well as nine other Arab countries, including Tunisia, Libya, Palestine, Mauritania, Sudan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Yemen.