20 years ago, during its 32nd session, the General Conference of UNESCO adopted the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Organized under the theme We are #LivingHeritage, this anniversary is an opportunity to question the role of the 2003 Convention in raising awareness of the diversity and richness of intangible cultural heritage. It is also about thinking about the directions it could take in the decades to come to promote truly sustainable development and increased awareness of the importance of living heritage.
Living heritage is those who practice it within communities, it is resilience and knowledge transmitted from generation to generation. Africa is one of the most active regions for the safeguarding of living heritage. This heritage plays a fundamental role in building a strong cultural identity in each community.
This stamp highlights Zaouli, a popular dance and music practiced by the Guro communities, in the departments of Bouaflé and Zuénoula, in Côte d'Ivoire. The Zaouli has an educational, playful and aesthetic function. A tribute to feminine beauty, it is inspired by two masks: the Blou and the Djela. The holders and practitioners of Zaouli are sculptors, artisans, instrumentalists, singers, dancers and notables. They are responsible for the customs and traditions of their community. Bearer of the cultural identity of its holders, the Zaouli also contributes to the preservation of the environment, and promotes integration and social cohesion.
