Celebrating Algeria’s Efforts to Preserve and Promote Cultural Heritage
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially inscribed Algeria’s submission, “The Festive Women’s Attire of Eastern Algeria: Knowledge and Skills in Sewing and Jewelry Making – Kandoura and Mlehfa,” into the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision was made during the 19th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Asunción, Paraguay, which continues until December 7.
A Testament to Algeria’s Cultural Strategy
According to a statement from Algeria’s Ministry of Culture and Arts, this milestone is a result of the ministry’s comprehensive national strategy to protect and enhance Algeria’s rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Described as a cornerstone of humanity’s shared memory and heritage, this achievement reinforces Algeria’s cultural security, an integral part of its national security.
The ministry attributed the success to the collaborative efforts of researchers, experts, artisans, academics, and civil society. It also highlighted the pivotal role played by Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the permanent delegation to UNESCO, and various embassies in preparing and supporting the nomination.
Unique Elements of the Submission
The inscribed elements encompass traditional garments and ornaments, including:
- Garments: Kandoura, Mlehfa, Caftan, Qaât, Kouït, Lahaf, Chachia, Sarwal, Dkhila, Loqaâ, Mandil, K’nour, and Hizam. These are adorned with traditional embroidery techniques like Mejbood, Fetla, Kantile, Tulle, and decorative embellishments.
- Jewelry: Sultan Chachia, Jbine, Khit Rouh, Monakech, Mcharef, Mkhbel, Sekhab, Mahzama, Hizam, Harz, Bazim, Mesayes, Mqaies, Khalkhal, and Redif, made of silver and gold.
These elements, passed down through generations, are crafted with exceptional skill and precision by Algerian artisans whose work ensures the preservation of this living heritage.
Algeria’s Commitment to Heritage Preservation
As one of the first countries to ratify the 2003 UNESCO Convention on the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Algeria has reaffirmed its leadership in cultural preservation. This recognition follows Algeria’s recent membership in the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, reflecting its active participation in international cultural initiatives.
Remarks by Minister of Culture and Arts
Minister of Culture and Arts, Zouheir Balloul, expressed gratitude to the Intergovernmental Committee for their decision and praised the scientific rigor of the evaluation process. He also commended the dedication of the convention’s secretariat, describing it as a global benchmark for preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
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Author: Nor-Eleslam
