Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity

Lore & Background

Nominations were evaluated by a panel of experts and scrutinized by an 18-member jury selected by the UNESCO Director-General. To be proclaimed, a cultural expression or space had to demonstrate outstanding value as a masterpiece of human creative genius, show deep roots in the cultural tradition of the community, affirm cultural identity, provide proof of excellence, affirm value as unique testimony of living traditions, and be at risk of degradation or disappearance. Member states were encouraged to compile inventories of their intangible heritage and submit action plans for safeguarding, developed with tradition bearers.

Reader's Guide

The Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity was significant as UNESCO's response to the call for a wider definition of cultural heritage that includes intangible aspects, complementing the 1972 World Heritage List focused on tangible, monumental elements. The program raised awareness about the vulnerability of intangible heritage to globalization, social transformation, and intolerance, and encouraged communities to identify, document, protect, promote, and revitalize such heritage. Its success led to the 2003 adoption of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which took effect in 2008 and established the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, superseding the proclamation program. The 90 masterpieces became the first entries on this new list. The program also inspired a separate List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding for expressions at risk despite local efforts. By committing UNESCO to financing conservation plans and urging states to compile inventories, the Masterpieces program helped institutionalize the protection of living cultural traditions worldwide.

Did You Know?

• The idea for the program originated from a campaign to preserve Morocco's Jeema' el Fna Square in Marrakesh.
• Nominations could fall into two categories: forms of popular and traditional cultural expressions, or cultural spaces.
• All 90 proclaimed masterpieces were incorporated into the new Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2008.
• The program required nomination proposals to include proof of full involvement and agreement of local communities.