ALL
social practices
ICH Elements 3
-
Falconry - a living human heritage
Falconry or traditional hunting with birds of prey has been long popularized among people who lived in vast steppe and mountainous areas - the habitat of the birds of prey. Kazakh people tamed different species of falcons, eagles and other birds of prey like Burkyts (golden eagles) and various falco representatives. Every species has been accustomed to certain region and climatic environment - northern regions, mountains of Zhungar and Zaili Alatau, bold mountains or mountains with forested and rocky slopes, plains and steppes with scarce vegetation, desserts and etc. Falconry is the traditional art and practice of training and flying falcons to take quarry in its natural state, and has been practised for more than 4000 years. It is one of the oldest relationships between human and bird. It probably evolved in the steppes of Asia, and spread via cultural and trade links to other countries, first to Europe, North Africa and East Asia and later in the 16th century to the rest of the world. The practice of falconry in early and medieval periods of history is documented in many parts of the world. Falconry as intangible cultural heritage is integrated into communities as a social recreational practice and a means of connecting with nature. It is perceived by the communities as cultural heritage, a social tradition of respect for nature and the environment. Originally a way of obtaining food, falconry has acquired other values over the centuries, and is identified with camaraderie, sharing, and expressions of freedom.
Kazakhstan 2016 -
Mushel Kayiru - the 12-year calendar of the animal cycle
Kazakhs since ancient times to the beginning of the twentieth century used the ancient folk calendar. Traditional Kazakh annual calendar consists of twelve year animal cycle, called 'mushel' ("mushel"). It was this: 'tyshqan zhyly' (year of a mouse); 'siyr zhyly' (year of a cow); 'barys zhyly' (year of snow leopard); 'qoyan zhyly' (year of a hare); 'ulu zhyly' (year of a dragon); 'zhylan zhyly' (year of a snake); 'hylqy zhyly' (year of a horse); 'qoi zhyly' (year of a sheep); 'meshin zhyly' (year of a monkey); 'Tauyq zhyly' (year of a hen); 'eit zhyly' (year of a dog); 'dongyz zhyly' (year of a pig). The choice of these animals was mainly linked to them due to its sacral meaning.
Kazakhstan -
Traditions connecting with Mahalla in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage
MAHALLA is an administrative territorial unit in Uzbekistan. The way of self-management is characteristic of the traditions and values of our people. The term "Mahalla" is Arabic and means "place". A neighborhood is a small administrative area, but it is also a community of people connected by a common lifestyle, values, traditions, and customs. The main tasks of the neighborhood were to hold ceremonies together, to maintain and beautify its territory, to educate the young generation in a social spirit, to ensure order in the life of the community, to control the implementation of all traditional norms, and to observe customs. The neighborhood elder organized other public works related to neighborhood improvement. All these works were done together by hashar.
Uzbekistan
ICH Materials 12
-
Falconry, traditional hunting with birds of prey
Falconry or traditional hunting with birds of prey has been long popularized among people who lived in vast steppe and mountainous areas - the habitat of the birds of prey. Kazakh people tamed different species of falcons, eagles and other birds of prey like Burkyts (golden eagles) and various falco representatives. Every species has been accustomed to certain region and climatic environment - northern regions, mountains of Zhungar and Zaili Alatau, bold mountains or mountains with forested and rocky slopes, plains and steppes with scarce vegetation, desserts and etc.
Kazakhstan -
Falconry - a living human heritage
Falconry or traditional hunting with birds of prey has been long popularized among people who lived in vast steppe and mountainous areas - the habitat of the birds of prey. Kazakh people tamed different species of falcons, eagles and other birds of prey like Burkyts (golden eagles) and various falco representatives. Every species has been accustomed to certain region and climatic environment - northern regions, mountains of Zhungar and Zaili Alatau, bold mountains or mountains with forested and rocky slopes, plains and steppes with scarce vegetation, desserts and etc.\nFalconry is the traditional art and practice of training and flying falcons to take quarry in its natural state, and has been practised for more than 4000 years. It is one of the oldest relationships between human and bird. It probably evolved in the steppes of Asia, and spread via cultural and trade links to other countries, first to Europe, North Africa and East Asia and later in the 16th century to the rest of the world. The practice of falconry in early and medieval periods of history is documented in many parts of the world.\nFalconry as intangible cultural heritage is integrated into communities as a social recreational practice and a means of connecting with nature. It is perceived by the communities as cultural heritage, a social tradition of respect for nature and the environment. Originally a way of obtaining food, falconry has acquired other values over the centuries, and is identified with camaraderie, sharing, and expressions of freedom.
Kazakhstan
Open Archive 2
-
Myanmar Thanakha
Myanmar women adore Thanakha for its sweet fragrance. The botanical name of Thanakha is Hesperethusa Crenulata (ROXB.) ROEM. Thanakha plant or branch is cut into small sizes about 6 or 4 inches. If we grind Thanakha bark with a little water on a circular stone slab called "Kyauk Pyin", we will get a milky yellow liquid or Thanakha paste. Myanmar women usually apply Thanakha paste on their faces and hands and some prefer wearing the whole body.The practice of Thanakha culture has existed in Myanmar society since yore. Thanakha is still preserved as Myanma cultural tradition till today. Thanakha and "Kyauk Pyin" are inseparable. "Kyauk Pyin" is the circular shape of sand stone slab and its surface is elevated in the middle and there is a channel around the rim for the paste to drain into. Kyauk Pyin and Thanakha are essential for the practice of Thanakha culutre in Myanmar society. People use Thanakha for beauty but also for medicinal purpose. Sweet fragrant Thanakha paste is used for cleansing the face of Buddha Image. As Myanmar saying goes:"Mee Phone Hlu Pwe, Tabodwe", the scented bonfire festival is also held by burning Thanakha woods to offer warmth to the Lord Buddha in Myanmar month Tabodwe which falls in February. Because of extreme cold weather in Tabodwe, the scented bonfire or "Mee Phone Pwe" is held in the pagoda precinct with great devotion. In some areas, Thanakha-based cultural festival, "Thanakha Par Toe Pwe" is also held with great traditions. Ethnic women from the hills and the plains across Myanmar cherish and value Thanakha. Both men and women alike have been using Thanakha paste because of its cool sensation and positive effects. In addition that some put extra patch on their cheeks to protect from burning heat of the sun. The farmers and farm girls could get sweaty for working long hours in the field but they always feel fresh because of soothing effect of Thanakha fragrance. That is why Thanakha is the favourite of farmers and workers."Kyauk Pyin" and Thanakha wood can be found in every Myanmar household. Parents wear Thanakha to their offsprings. Likewise, uncles, aunts, elder brothers and sisters used to wear Thanakha to their young nieces, nephews as well as younger brothers and sisters. The farm girls and construction workers used to wear Thanakha paste very thickly for beauty but also for preventing the sunburn.The Thanakha growers and producers are also vital role in this element. Since ancient times, Thanakha culture has been preserving and practicing in Myanmar society. In Mynmar families, the tradition of wearing Thanakha is handed down from generation to generation. The parents, elder brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts never fail to put on Thanakha to young daughters and sons, nieces and nephews. While smearing Thanakha paste on the face, the mother also feeds fragrant residue to her baby. Thanakha plays a crucial role in the daily life of Myanmar people. In Myanmar family, the mother showers her infant baby and introduces Thanakha while praying the Lord to protect her baby from harms and dangers. The mother smears the wet paste of Thanakha on the kid’s forehead and later on both cheeks. The mother also feeds Thanakha paste to her baby which can protect chicken pox and measles. Because of the cool and pleasant Thanakha fragrance and the mother’s endless love, the baby feels great warmth and comfort. While applying Thanakha, the elders teach young children about the importance of good manners, ethics and moral values. Psychologically, Thanakha has positive effects for good concentration enhancing the power of wisdom and memory. Among seasonal festivals, the scented bonfire festival is held where fragrant Thanakha and sandal woods are burnt to provide warmth to the Lord Buddha with great devotion. Such kind of Thanakha-based festival has been holding on the Full Moon Day of Myanmar month Tapodwe which falls in February. Moreover, Thanakha is also used for the washing rituals performed at Mandalay Mahamuni Buddha Temple and such offering of Thanakha paste is renowned as the cultural values of Myanmar society. For fun and friendship, young people do whisking Thanakha paste on the cheeks of young visitors with great traditions in Yaw area.Thanakha is also used for Myanmar traditional medicine. Thanakha is common across Myanmar including the hills and the plains so also the rural and urban areas.Thanakha had long been used as atrditional cosmetic by Myanmar people and recently found ways to foreign market. Thanakha is the part and parcel of Myanmar culture. The paste of Thanakha is beloved to a diverse array of ethnicities and religion. Thanakha is worn by people of all ages, men and women alike, whether rich or poor. The practice of Myanmar Thanakha culture is for skin care, for beauty, to protect the sunburn so also as the traditional medicine. Thanakha is used at traditional festivals, social rituals and religious ceremonies. Although Thanakha wearing is common among people of all ages, women use for beauty and men use for skin care.
Myanmar -
Fading Cultures of Bhutan
Bhutan is one of the world's smallest countries, but its cultural diversity and richness are remarkable. As a result, a considerable emphasis is placed on promoting and preserving its own culture. It is hoped that by safeguarding and nurturing Bhutan's living culture, the nation's sovereignty will be preserved. However, the Kingdom of Bhutan is undergoing tremendous transformation in the social, cultural, economic, and political spheres, resulting in unprecedented social confusion and stress. As a child, I liked photography and travel, and now I enjoy sharing stories via photographs. Our country, although rich in culture, is currently at a crossroads between modernisation and cultural preservation; with the improvement of living standards, it is difficult to see age-old practices and traditions being practiced. Everything from the way we travel to the food we eat, the language we speak, and the clothes we wear is changing and, in some cases, fading as time passes. These images serve as harsh reminders of how a country's intangible cultures and heritage are disappearing.
Bhutan