(TITC) – On 29th November 2022, at 17th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage taking place in Rabat (Morocco), UNESCO has inscribed the Art of pottery-making of Cham people on the List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.
The Art of pottery making of the Cham people has been honoured by UNESCO as the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. Photo internet
According to the dossier submitted to UNESCO, Cham pottery products are mainly household utensils, religious objects and fine art works, including jars, pots, trays and vases. They are made by women and viewed as an expression of individual creativity based on the knowledge transmitted within the community.
Instead of using a turntable, the women revolve around the piece to shape it. The pottery is not glazed but fired outdoors with firewood and straw for seven to eight hours, at a temperature of about 800 degrees Celsius. Raw materials (clay, sand, water, firewood and straw) are collected locally, and the knowledge and skills are passed on to younger generations within families through hands-on practice.
The practice gives women the opportunity to exchange and interact with each other in productive labour and social activities as well as in vocational education for their children, further enhancing their role in society. It can also help bolster family income and safeguard the habits, customs and cultural identities of Cham people in Viet Nam.
However, despite many safeguarding efforts, the viability of the craft is still at risk for several reasons, including the impact of urbanization on access to raw materials, insufficient adaptation to the market economy and lack of interest among younger generations.
At the event. Photo ICD
UNESCO's registration for the Art of pottery-making of Cham people on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Protection demonstrates the interest of UNESCO and the international community in the conservation of cultural heritage in Vietnam
This is an affirmation of the rich cultural identity of Vietnamese nation, community cohesion, respect for cultural diversity and encouragement of dialogue between individuals, communities and different ethnicities for tolerance, love and charity in accordance with the principles and objectives of the 2003 Convention for the Protection of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO.
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