Belarusian straw weaving added to UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage

The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO approved the inclusion of the Belarusian nomination file «Straw weaving of Belarus: Art, craft and skills” into the Representative List of intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity at its 17th session in Morocco on 1 December, BelTA learned from the Culture Ministry of Belarus. The meeting was attended by Maria Netsvetayeva, deputy head of the Historical and Cultural Heritage Department at the Culture Ministry of Belarus. The nomination file was prepared in 2020-2021 with the financial and organizational support of the Culture Ministry of the Republic of Belarus. Belarusian straw art is unique; it is one of the most nationally distinctive forms reflecting the spiritual values and artistic traditions of Belarusians.

In Belarus this craft has found a new lease on life and has become a popular type of modern art. „Belarusian straw“ has become a national brand. Artistic products and souvenirs made of straw are unmistakably associated with Belarus, creative abilities and diligence of Belarusians.

»In Belarus, straw weaving has been practiced for a long time. This craft is more than 1,000 years old. Eastern Slavs began to use straw as a material for weaving at the turn of the II-I millennium BC, at a time of agriculture expansion.

This craft traces its origins back to ancient rites associated with the cult of bread and fertility,” the Culture Ministry said. «In the first half of the 20th century, straw weaving was widely used everywhere. Products made of straw were sold in the markets, in demand among both peasants and townspeople as an original interior decoration.