Strengthening the capacities of States Parties for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage in Western Africa (Sahel)

Benefitting country(ies): Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal

Cultural practices and expressions linked to the ‘M’Bolon’, a traditional musical percussion instrument

Benefitting country(ies): Mali

Overview:

The M'bolon is a traditional percussion musical instrument that is mainly found in the administrative regions of Sikasso (Kolondieba and Koutiala Circles) and Koulikoro in the Mandinka cultural area in Mali. It consists of a calabash covered with calf skin, with a wooden handle on which are attached skin strings. The M'bolon was traditionally played to encourage farmers before agricultural ›››

Strengthening the capacities of States Parties for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage in Western Africa (Sahel)

Benefitting country(ies): Cabo Verde, Mali, Niger, Senegal

Inventory of intangible cultural heritage in Mali with a view to its urgent safeguarding

Benefitting country(ies): Mali

Overview:

Since January 2012, Malian cultural heritage has suffered tremendous damage following the occupation of northern and east-central regions by armed groups and extremists. Cultural practices ranging from rituals, traditional music and festive events to craftsmanship were curtailed by the prohibitions imposed by the occupants. People had fear of being stigmatized or targeted of retributive attacks. The damage to intangible cultural heritage ›››

News and activities:

• 2017-07-03 – 211 elements of the Malian intangible cultural heritage inventoried for their urgent safeguarding
• 2015-02-12 – Financial assistance, a key mechanism for the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage in Africa

Implementation of proposed safeguarding measures for the Sanké mon, collective fishing rite of the Sanké

Benefitting country(ies): Mali

Overview:

This project aims to contribute to the safeguarding of Sanké mon: collective fishing rite of the Sanké, inscribed in 2009 on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. The Sanké mon is a ritual and festive event held each year at the pond of Sanké in the city of San, located 490 km north of Bamako. The objectives of ›››

Secret society of Korèdugaw, the rite of wisdom, in Mali

Benefitting country(ies): Mali

Overview:

The assistance resulted in the submission of a USL nomination examined in 2011, at which time the Committee inscribed the Secret society of the Kôrêdugaw, the rite of wisdom in Mali (Decision 6.COM 8.12). ›››

Safeguarding action plan of Yaaral and Degal

Benefitting country(ies): Mali

Overview:

Organized by the Peul community, the Yaaral and Degal festivals mark the twice-yearly crossing of the Niger river by herds of cattle. This seasonal migration gives rise to widely appreciated and varied celebrations and expressions, such as competitions for the most beautifully decorated herd, recitations of pastoral poems and songs. This safeguarding project aims at enhancing knowledge and understanding concerning ›››

Improved Traditional Bead Production and Marketing in West Africa

Benefitting country(ies): Ghana, Mali

Overview:

Beads are widely used in West African cultures; major passages of life, for instance, are marked by the wearing of appropriate beads. In addition to their function in social and cultural expressions, the continuation of beads production is important for economic empowerment and sustainable development. With a view to strengthening traditional beads production, the project included a survey on the ›››