The Committee,
- Recalling the initial inscription of ‘Manual bell ringing’ (submitted by Spain) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the seventeenth session of the Committee in 2022 (Decision 17.COM 7.b.28),
- Takes note that Spain and Italy have nominated Manual bell ringing (No. 02100) for inscription, on an extended basis to include Italy, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
In Spain and Italy, traditional manual bell ringing is a form of communication that is tied to the classification, acoustics and shapes of bells, bell towers and belfries, as well as to the knowledge, skills and techniques of the campanari (bell ringers, in Italian). The bells are played as musical instruments, individually or in groups, with distinct local styles and techniques. They are also used to tell time and as a means of communication, and are intricately linked to traditional festivals and celebrations. Transmission processes in Italy are similar to those found in Spain: the practice is passed on informally through hands-on practice, within families and through organizations. A master bell ringer (maestro campanero, in Italian) often volunteers to transmit the oral tradition, the acoustic sensitivity and the coordination of physical movements and gestures to apprentices. The practice is also transmitted formally through educational institutions, for instance to students of music and architecture. A language in and of itself, manual bell ringing marks the days of the communities, particularly during local events and religious festivals. It is tied to the communities’ sense of shared identity, history and emotions, and is perceived as a means of promoting intergenerational and intercultural dialogue.
- 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: In Italy, the communities concerned include voluntary associations of bell ringers and neighbours who are involved in the preservation of manual ringing because they feel and identify with the ringing in their towns or cities. Transmission processes in Italy are similar to those found in Spain: the practice is passed on informally through hands-on practice, within families and through organizations. Families and associations of bearers play a crucial role in apprenticeships and transmitting the know-how of the element. A master bell ringer often volunteers to transmit the oral tradition, the acoustic sensitivity and the coordination of physical movements and gestures to apprentices. The practice is also transmitted formally through educational institutions, for instance to students of music and architecture. It is tied to the communities’ sense of shared identity, history and emotions, and is perceived as a means of promoting intergenerational and intercultural dialogue.
R.2: The description in the file focuses on the contribution of the inscription to the visibility and awareness of intangible cultural heritage. The element contributes to social and intergenerational cohesion as it encourages celebrations and is an instrument that children and adults can play together. The element is also a tool for accessible non-formal participatory systems, musical education and multicultural performances. Manual bell ringing as an intangible cultural heritage shows how similar living heritage practices can be an effective tool to stimulate knowledge exchange, dialogue and networking while promoting cultural diversity.
R.3: The nomination file explains how the two States Parties will coordinate the management and implementation of the safeguarding plans. Several current and future safeguarding measures are proposed, including: (a) carrying out inventorying activities; (b) archiving audio records; (c) developing the Italian National Register of Bell-ringers; and (d) providing financial resources for seismic adaptation and safety for identified places such as bell towers. Other measures involve incorporating the element in school curricula and museums, conducting joint celebrations and meetings, and developing a joint management approach between the two States Parties. The communities maintain the primary role on implementing the safeguarding plan.
R.4: The newly joining communities participated in the preparation of the nomination file, as demonstrated in the twenty-three letters submitted and attached to the file. All the communities reflected in the letters submitted by Spain support the extension of the element and consider that the inclusion of the Italian element could enrich the tradition and raise awareness and knowledge about the importance of the manual bell ringing tradition.
R.5: The element was listed on the Italian MEPI Form of the Inventory of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Elements in March 2023. The inventory is managed by the Ministry of Culture (General Secretariat) UNESCO Office. Details about the inventorying process, including periodicity and community involvement, are provided in the periodic report submitted by Italy in 2021.
- Decides to inscribe Manual bell ringing on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity;
- Further takes note that the present nomination is an inscription on an extended basis which incorporates and replaces ‘Manual bell ringing’ (No. 01873), previously inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2022.