The Committee
- Takes note that the State of Palestine has nominated Tradition of Nabulsi soap making in Palestine (No. 02112) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
Nabulsi is a hand-crafted soap made in the State of Palestine made from three natural, local ingredients: olive oil, water and lye. The practitioners make the soap after the olive harvest, adding their family’s stamp before packaging it and storing it for one year. Most families in the State of Palestine share the tradition, with both men and women taking part in all stages of the production process and children helping their parents cut and pack the soap. A source of income for practicing families, the craft is passed on through hands-on practice in farms, olive presses and within families and small workshops. It is also taught by organizations, featured in movies, and transmitted through social media networks. The use of olive oil reflects people’s strong relation to nature, and many people use their homemade soap as a personal gift for celebrations such as weddings and birthdays. Often, soap makers give soaps to visitors to take home. The element encourages dialogue while connecting family members and communities.
- 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 tradition of Nabulsi soap making is a hand-crafted soap-making process that uses simple traditional tools and naturally available materials which make it possible for people to make soap at home or in small workshops. Most families share the tradition, with both men and women taking part in various stages of the production process. Transmission of the element is mainly informal, with older generations passing the practice on to the younger generations in homes. Knowledge of making Nabulsi soap is also transmitted through social media and publications. The element demonstrates the bearers’ strong relation to nature.
R.2: The element supports various aspects of sustainable development including promoting good hygiene. Both men and women participate in the soap production processes, thereby contributing to gender equality and inclusive economic development for the communities. Preserving olive trees for cultivation contributes to improving the quality of the environment and prevents desertification. The video submitted by the State Party elaborates on the linkage between the element and various aspects of sustainable development.
R.3: The Ministry of Culture, in dialogue with the communities concerned, has proposed several safeguarding measures, including: (a) production of articles and films on soap making; (b) supporting small businesses involved in traditional Nabulsi soap making in houses; (c) including the element in the national inventory (completed in February 2018); (d) organizing marketing courses for low-income female producers; (e) coordinating and participating in local exhibitions and bazaars; and (f) providing training opportunities.
R.4: The file demonstrates the community’s participation in the nomination process. The idea of the nomination was first suggested by the Al-Aboudia Women’s Association. The Ministry of Culture supported the nomination of the element to the Representative List after consultation with experts and heritage bearers, and formed a nomination committee comprising heritage bearers. The nomination file was prepared with the approval of the heritage bearers. Various letters were submitted with the nomination form, highlighting the consent of the communities.
R.5: The element was included in the National Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2018, which is managed by the Palestinian Ministry of Culture through the Department of Heritage. The inventory is periodically updated with the participation of bearer communities. Information on the inventorying process is included in the periodic report, submitted in 2022.
- Decides to inscribe Tradition of Nabulsi soap making in Palestine on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.