The Committee
- Takes note that Norway has nominated Traditional costumes in Norway, craftsmanship and social practice (No. 02084) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
In Norway, traditional costumes are tailored garments, decorated with embroidery, ribbons and fabrics, made of natural materials such as silk, wool and linen. The production process involves a variety of craftspeople to embroider the costumes and make the accessories. Often made by hand, a traditional costume may last a lifetime and be handed down through generations as a family heirloom. Many girls acquire their first costume for their confirmation at fifteen years of age. Knowledge of how and when to wear costumes is transmitted within families, often guided by an aunt or a grandmother who manages, repairs and makes the costumes. Within the community, the use of traditional costumes is guided by cultural norms, and local craftspeople are important bearers of knowledge, providing guidance and practical training. Traditional costumes are closely connected to family life and the local communities. They are worn at private and public celebrations and symbolize personal identity and family history. Some immigrants proudly acquire their first traditional costumes when they receive their Norwegian citizenship. Others take the opportunity to dress in traditional attire from their home country, celebrating alongside people dressed in Norwegian traditional costumes. When people meet dressed in various traditional costumes, it creates a sense of recognition and belonging.
- 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 a traditional costume made out of natural materials such as silk, wool and linen, tailored, decorated and worn in Norway. The bearers and practitioners of the element include people who own and wear traditional costumes, bearers of special knowledge, craftspeople, folk dancers and musicians. The transmission of knowledge and skills about the element is informal within families. The knowledge of how to wear a traditional costume is transmitted between family members. The element is also formally transmitted through the public educational system which offers a vocational program followed by an apprenticeship. Traditional costumes are worn at both private and public celebrations, symbolic of personal identity and family history.
R.2: The transmission of the element through vocational schools and the public education system contributes to the quality education of communities, benefitting all but especially women. The element also promotes economic development by supporting business owners and professional craftspeople. Moreover, the element provides an alternative to the mass production and consumption of clothes by promoting traditional textile crafts and techniques and the use of sustainable materials. The nomination file states that the element promotes trust, inclusion, and a sense of belonging within communities. Various statements from the communities were submitted to demonstrate the links between the element and aspects of sustainable development.
R.3: The nomination file describes various safeguarding efforts including the documentation, research and publication of information about the element. NGOs also provide trainings in sewing and weaving, arrange exhibitions, and hold lectures. Government authorities at various levels provide funding for an educational program at vocational schools continued with a two-year apprenticeship, that leads to a journeyman’s certificate. Craftspeople and practitioners facilitate local courses in various handicrafts, enabling people to make their own traditional costumes. The Norwegian Institute of Folk Costume provides support to NGOs working on traditional crafts and museums, which also receive public funding for their safeguarding efforts. The communities concerned identified two challenges to safeguarding the element: (a) need for more specialized educational programs at university level, which combine practical and theoretical knowledge; and (b) the mass production of cheap costumes that is a threat to the survival of the local industry.
R.4: The nomination process was participatory and involved communities and the State Party. NGOs involved with the element established a working group and steering committee in 2017 to lead the process. In addition to social media activities, several articles about the nomination were published in relevant journals. Information about the nomination initiative was shared with relevant communities, groups and individuals. Numerous meetings, seminars, questionnaires and events were hosted in order to support the nomination. A meeting with the indigenous Sami community was held in 2019 but the community decided not to join the nomination. Another working group made up of bearers, practitioners and teachers was established in the fall of 2022. The group identified and defined threats to the element and discussed possible future safeguarding measures. Various letters of consent from practitioners, NGOs and individuals were submitted to express support for the element.
R.5: The element is listed on the Immaterial Kulturarv inventory, which is maintained by Arts and Culture Norway. Information about the inventorying process and the involvement of the communities in the inventorying process is included in the State Party’s periodic report which was submitted in 2021.
- Decides to inscribe Traditional costumes in Norway, craftsmanship and social practice on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity;
- Commends the State Party for a good quality video that provides a detailed visual presentation of the cultural practices associated with the element.