Intangible Cultural Heritage committee completes examination of nominations for UNESCO Lists

With the inscription of the Armenian cross-stones art. Symbolism and craftsmanship of Khachkars, presented by Armenia, the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage today finished the examination of 47 nominations presented by 29 countries for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, UN Public Information Department reports

The list now includes 213 inscribed elements.

Khachkars are outdoor steles carved from stone by craftspeople in Armenia and communities in the Armenian diaspora. They act as a focal point for worship, as memorial stones and as relics facilitating communication between the secular and divine.

Khachkar craftsmanship is transmitted through families or from master to apprentice, teaching the traditional methods and patterns, while encouraging regional distinctiveness and individual improvisation.

As for the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, four new elements have been added for a total of 16.