The Committee
- Takes note that Ukraine has proposed Safeguarding programme of kobza and wheel lyre tradition (No. 02136) for selection and promotion by the Committee as a programme, project or activity best reflecting the principles and objectives of the Convention:
The Ukrainian kobza and wheel lyre tradition is a nomadic music tradition involving visually impaired musicians who sing and play string instruments such as the kobza. Becoming a kobza performer traditionally entailed initiation rites conditioned by a strong knowledge of the music and of the practitioners’ secret language. To regulate their activities and protect their rights, the performers established guilds, or tsekhs. In the 1920s and 1930s, they faced many challenges and prosecution, but in the 1980s the remaining bearers reestablished the tsekh system to safeguard the tradition. Their aim was to transmit the related knowledge, skills and social norms through a long-term apprenticeship programme based on lectures, courses and practical classes. In keeping with tradition, the current tsekhs work with people with visual impairments. They carry out programmes with practitioners and build partnerships with museums and research institutions. The tsekhs, which are financed through crowdfunding and donations, promote the practice and increase the visibility of the kobza and wheel lyre traditions through participation in various events, including media conferences, festivals, performances and meetings with youth.
- Considers that, from the information included in the file, the programme responds as follows to the criteria for selection as a good safeguarding practice in paragraph 7 of the Operational Directives:
P.1: The main goal of the safeguarding programme is to support, protect and maintain the kobza and wheel lyre tradition. It is a master-apprentice learning system based on lectures, courses and practical lessons. It consists of a mandatory set of knowledge, skills and social norms, learning to play and study the epic works, and acquiring knowledge of making the musical instruments. The visibility of kobza is promoted through media, performances and youth participation. The tsekhs are financed through crowdfunding and donations.
P.2: The programme is conducted at the national level and does not include any regional or international collaborations. The transmission and safeguarding practices are carried out within Ukraine in the communities of Kyiv, Kharkiv and Lviv, among others.
P.3: In alignment with the spirit of the Convention, the programme entails a democratic and inclusive decision-making process involving bearers and strong community participation. The community’s active role in creating, developing and safeguarding the kobza tradition is founded on the principles of broad inclusiveness and creative diversity.
P.4: The programme activities conducted by kobzar tsekhs have strengthened the viability of the tradition and increased its visibility through publications, recordings and social media, especially during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The recent restoration of Moschun’s kobzar workshops exemplifies the effectiveness of the programme. The partnerships and collaborations between the kobzar and community museums to perform the tradition at festivals and places of memory have contributed to the viability and visibility of the associated intangible cultural heritage.
P.5: The strategy of safeguarding the kobza and wheel lyre tradition is directly implemented by the bearers and practitioners of the tradition. Members of the tsekhs and other experts monitor the implementation of the programme, including the testing, evaluation and adaptation of all components. The programme encourages experience sharing through seminars, round tables and at festivities.
P.6: The file indicates the existence of similar traditions and practices in neighbouring countries in the region, showing that the programme can serve as a useful model for safeguarding living heritage at the regional level. The file also shows how the practice of creating networks and guild associations guided by important principles and rules contributes to the resilience of intangible cultural heritage in response to calamities. As similar traditions exist in Romania, Republic of Moldova and Bulgaria, the programme can serve as a useful model for safeguarding living heritage in the region.
P.7: The State Party confirms the community’s willingness and commitment to cooperate in the dissemination of the good safeguarding practice. Dissemination and experience sharing can be done through publications and presentations at exhibitions, craft fairs, festivals and bilateral consultations. The consent forms attest to the community’s commitment to disseminate the good practices.
P.8: The nomination file provides information for the assessment of results. Between 1980 and 2022, more than 80 masters and performers were involved in the programme, there were more than 70 scientific findings, and 1,500 records of photos and videos were created.
- Decides to select Safeguarding programme of kobza and wheel lyre tradition as a programme, project or activity best reflecting the principles and objectives of the Convention.