Supported by ten Arab countries, including Tunisia, the joint file “arts, skills and practices associated with engraving on metals (gold, silver and copper)” has just been inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
This new inscription was announced at the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in Kasane, Republic of Botswana, December 4-9, 2023.
With this new entry on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the number of Tunisian elements on the list rises to seven, following “the pottery skills of the women of Sejnane” (2018), “the Date palm, knowledge, skills, traditions and practices” (2022), “Knowledge, know-how and practices pertaining to the production and consumption of couscous” (2020), “Charfiya fishing” (2020), “Arabic calligraphy: knowledge, skills and practices” (2021) and “Harissa, Knowledge, skills and culinary and social practices” (2022).
According t
o the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the scientific file was prepared by the National Institute of Heritage (INP) under the supervision of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Alecso, and in coordination with the Republic of Iraq.
The inclusion of this file (supported by Tunisia, Palestine, Iraq, Algeria, Egypt, Mauritania, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Sudan) highlights the diversity of methods associated with the treatment of gold, silver, copper and metals for artistic, craft and economic purposes, as revealed today by the practice of engraving in many of Tunisia’s towns and medinas, such as Tunis, Kairouan, Sfax and Djerba.
Engraving on metals such as gold, silver and copper is a centuries-old practice that entails manually cutting words, symbols or patterns into the surfaces of decorative, utilitarian, religious or ceremonial objects.
The craftsperson uses different tools to manually cut symbols, names, Quran verses, prayers and geometric patterns into the objects. Engravings can be concave (recesse
d) or convex (elevated), or the result of a combination of different types of metals, such as gold and silver.
Their social and symbolic meanings and functions vary according to the communities concerned. Engraved objects, such as jewelry or household objects, are often presented as traditional gifts for weddings or used in religious rituals and alternative medicine.
For instance, certain types of metals are believed to have healing properties. Engraving on metals is transmitted within families, through observation and hands-on practice.
It is also transmitted through workshops organized by training centres, organizations and universities, among others. Publications, cultural events and social media further contribute to the transmission of the related knowledge and skills.
Practised by people of all ages and genders, metal engraving and the use of engraved objects are means of expressing the cultural, religious and geographical identity and the socio-economic status of the communities concerned.
Sourc
e: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse