The Committee
- Takes note that France has nominated Skills of Parisian zinc roofers and ornamentalists (No. 02105) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
Parisian zinc roofing encompasses the knowledge and skills required to restore the roofs of Haussmann-style buildings constructed in Paris during the nineteenth century. These roofs are characterized by the shape of the attic space and the use of zinc as roofing material. Zinc is a lightweight metal that reduces the size of the roof frame and increases the liveable space under the roofs. The restoration of a roof involves removing the old pieces of zinc, measuring and custom-cutting new pieces using a Parisian folding machine, and assembling and fixing the pieces onto the roof. The ornamentalists work the zinc in their workshops to manufacture windows, replicating or creating ornaments that enhance the beauty of the roof. With nearly 80 per cent of the roofs in Paris covered in zinc, the city is a living archive of these skills that shape the unique identity of its urban landscape. The practice is transmitted through a work-study programme, in which apprentices alternate between theory, practical classes and hands-on experience on construction sites. The pride in preserving the beauty of the Parisian landscape fosters social ties between roofers and ornamentalists. This sense of belonging is manifested in a custom of leaving an object under a piece of roofing when they finish a job, to be found by zinc roofers decades later when they re-roof the building.
- 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 encompasses the knowledge and skills required to restore the zinc roofs of Haussmann-style buildings constructed in Paris during the nineteenth century. Almost eighty percent of the roofs in Paris are covered in zinc and the element demonstrates a link between intangible and tangible heritage. The bearers and practitioners are zinc roofers and ornamentalists, who possess and transmit the skills to restore and decorate the zinc roofs of Paris. Women and men are all involved in the repairs and roles, and tasks and responsibilities are distributed based on skill levels and experience. The knowledge and skills related to the practice are transmitted through a work-study programme in which apprentices alternate between theory, practical classes and hands-on experience on construction sites. The element is a source of pride in preserving the beauty of the Parisian landscape and cultivates a sense of belonging. It also fosters social ties between roofers and ornamentalists.
R.2: The file indicates that the element contributes to inclusive economic development by supporting decent work, creating productive jobs and bolstering the local economy. The element ensures quality education by facilitating the transmission of values and essential skills. Apprentice training is continually improved to incorporate the latest innovations and comply with construction regulations. The element also contributes to environmental sustainability by using mostly recycled zinc, which is melted and transformed into powder to be used in other products. In the past thirty years, the expertise of roofers has expanded to include a new skill: the mandatory installation of thermal insulation in the attics. These skills help to reduce energy consumption and mitigate the effects of climate change.
R.3: The safeguarding measures include those contributing to training and transmission through the Eco-Campus, which incorporates virtual reality and a life-sized replica of a Mansard loft used by experienced practitioners to teach apprentices. The Minister of Culture awarded the title of ‘Master of Art’ to an ornamentalist in 1996, and during the annual spring festival, distinctions are awarded to young zinc roofers in recognition of their dedication and the quality of their work. As part of the promotion and awareness-raising initiatives, the Syndicat des entreprises de Génie Climatique et Couverture Plomberie (GCCP) published ‘Roofs of Paris or the Art of Roofers’ in 2011, and a book presenting the element from the perspective of living heritage is currently under production. In addition to financing the production of online videos and facilitating training and transmission, the GCCP also manages a documentation centre containing historical and technical resources related to the element, such as the ‘Le Traité de couverture’, which is available to the public. The community concerned participates in exhibitions educating visitors about the beauty of the roofs and the people involved in their restoration. It also supports initiatives such as research projects undertaken in connection with the element.
R.4: For the nomination preparations, the community appointed two coordinators to liaise with the Ministry of Culture. The coordinators organized meetings with community representatives and engaged with the community, particularly through social media and community fairs. They met with members of the community at numerous construction sites, ornamentalists’ workshops and training centres to spread awareness about intangible cultural heritage and concepts of safeguarding. During the Spring Festival, the coordinators hosted a stand dedicated to the nomination to update the community on the progress and garner additional support for the nomination. The community actively participated in promoting the nomination by hosting French and foreign journalists at their construction sites and schools.
R.5: In 2017, the element was included in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in France. The inventory is managed by the Department of Research, Promotion and Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Delegation for Inspection, Research and Innovation (DIRI), and the General Directorate for Heritage and Architecture of the Ministry of Culture. Information concerning the updating and periodicity of the inventory is included in France’s periodic report, which was submitted in 2021.
- Decides to inscribe Skills of Parisian zinc roofers and ornamentalists on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity;
- Commends the State Party for nominating an element that has adapted and contributes to mitigating the effects of climate change and integrates skills training in educational institutions;
- Further commends the State Party on a well-prepared video that highlights the links between living heritage and built heritage.