The Committee
- Takes note that Egypt and Saudi Arabia have nominated Semsemiah: instrument crafting and playing (No. 02119) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
Semsemiah is a popular harp-like instrument that is crafted and played among communities in the Suez Canal region. The body is attached to three wooden poles that form a triangle. The instrument is usually crafted by the players themselves, using natural or recycled materials such as wood or metal. The semsemiah is used by singers, musicians, composers, sailors (in Saudi Arabia), fishermen, and ship traders (in Egypt). It is featured in concerts, holidays, weddings, football matches and cultural festivals. Players and craftspeople include people of all ages, genders, backgrounds and abilities. The skills of crafting and playing the instrument are usually transmitted informally, within families and communities, or through bands, master players, practitioners and craftspeople. Semsemiah playing and crafting is taught from an early age, starting at about eight years. In Egypt, the practice is also transmitted formally through workshops and training courses in certain educational institutes. In Saudi Arabia, the internet and social media have become popular means of transmission. An important means of expression, the semsemiah is closely associated with the sea and is present on fishing boats for entertainment. The music enhances peace and social cohesion through communal gatherings that include people from all social classes.
- Considers that, from the information included in the file, the nomination satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
R.1: The element is the crafting and playing of Semsemiah - a traditional stringed music instrument. The bearers and practitioners of the Semsemiah are players and craftsmen from both genders and different age groups, musicians, composers, singers, sailors, fishermen and ship traders, among others. In both states, the knowledge and skills of crafting and playing the instrument are transmitted informally within families and communities. In Egypt, it is also transmitted formally through workshops and training courses in educational institutes, while in Saudi Arabia there is popular use of the internet and social media which provide resources for the younger generation to learn semsemiah songs and craft. The element has the function of entertainment, enhances social ties among the communities and is a form of expression of emotions.
R.2: The nomination file identifies the element’s contributions to gender equality, health and well-being, inclusive economic development, environmental sustainability and social cohesion. Playing the semsemiah at weddings and social functions and crafting the instrument generates income and contributes to the livelihoods of practitioners. The element enhances peace and social cohesion through communal gatherings that include all social classes. The submitted video features representatives of communities explaining how the element contributes to these sustainable development areas. Although the contribution of the element to environmental sustainability including climate change is not well explained, the overall information in the file is sufficient to satisfy the criterion.
R.3: The nomination file highlights various safeguarding measures taken by both States with the participation of the communities. These measures have ensured the viability of the element, and some overlap in both countries. They include: (a) year-round workshops by professional musicians and craftsmen; (b) publishing books that document the element and its music; (c) encouraging the integration of the instrument in musical compositions; and (d) conducting workshops on intangible cultural heritage. Other safeguarding measures include establishing NGOs to support the element, creating websites, promoting the element on social media, featuring the element in ethnographic museums, and honouring living human treasures in both States.
R.4: The process of nominating the element with the full participation of the communities is elaborated. In Egypt, a nomination team was created to update the existing inventory and prepare the nomination form. The team held various discussions and meetings with relevant practitioners including individuals, communities and NGOs. In Saudi Arabia, stakeholders implemented a three-stage process for the preparation of the file. The communities were involved in all three stages. The practitioners approved the multinational nature of the nomination and contributed to identifying and implementing the safeguarding measures.
R.5: The element is listed on the Egyptian Archive for Folklore and Folklife and the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage Elements in Saudi Arabia. Information on the organisations maintaining the inventories is provided in the file. The States Parties provided information on the updating and periodicity of the inventories with the participation of communities in the form and the periodic reports.
- Decides to inscribe Semsemiah: instrument crafting and playing on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.