The Committee

1. Takes note that Rwanda has nominated Intore (No. 02129) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

Intore is a Rwandan dance performed by a troupe. The dancers are arranged in lines representing the ranks of warriors on a battlefield. Through their movements, they mimic a battle with an invisible adversary, leaping and wielding their spears and shields to the rhythm of the traditional drums and horns. They are supported by songs and poems of triumph and strength. Intore dancers were traditionally chosen by their leaders to undergo training in an institution known as Itorero, where they learned cultural values, governance principles, public speaking skills, traditional games and other performing arts. Today, the practice is widespread. Alongside the national ballet, which is a practice on a nationwide scale, other dance troupes are dispersed across the country. Training sessions are regularly organized by schools and universities. The practice is also transmitted within families and communities. An expression of victory and power, the Intore dance is at the centre of community events and festivities, including weddings, the reception of distinguished guests, and the harvest festival. The establishment of dance organizations and the coordination of festivals and cultural events around the dance have played an important role in promoting the social cohesion of Rwandans.

2. 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 Intore is a Rwandan dance performed by a troupe. The bearers and practitioners are found in all parts of the Rwandan population. The knowledge and skills of Intore are often transmitted through regular training sessions in dance schools. In villages, transmission takes place within households and through social organizations. The know-how related to the manufacture of costumes is transmitted to younger generations by women. Men transmit the know-how related to the making of related musical instruments. The dance is also performed at socio-cultural festivities, for the reception of distinguished guests and during family ceremonies such as marriage and harvest festivals.

R.2:   An inclusive art form that engages men and women of all ages, from rural and urban environments, Intore contributes to the physical and mental well-being of practitioners. It provides a source of income and an opportunity for job creation through the services provided and the sale of the instruments and costumes. It has also played an important role in promoting social cohesion among Rwandans.

R.3:   The element is protected through a number of legislative instruments within the State’s constitution and national policies. School dance competitions help identify dancers for local and professional troupes each year, while the Rwandan Cultural Academy conducts research and collects objects and audio-visual materials on traditional dances such as Intore. The National Ethnographic Museum has a permanent exhibition of images of Intore. It also holds live performances and organizes mentoring programmes for students. Moreover, the District Development Strategy provides for the establishment of a talent detection centre in each district to identify young talents and safeguard cultural heritage.

R.4:   Since 2017, the submitting State has been engaging the community in preparation for the nomination of Intore. The element was identified with the participation of the practitioners. Bearers contributed to the preparation of the national intangible cultural heritage inventory through field trips, and broadcasts were organized on national television to gather public opinion. Members of the association of the elderly, and the manufacturers and sellers of Intore instruments, tools and costumes also took part in the preparation of the nomination file.

R.5:   The element was listed on the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Rwanda in 2023. The agencies responsible for maintaining and updating the inventory are the Ministry of Unity and Civic Engagement, the Office of the Registrar General and the Academy of Cultural Heritage of Rwanda. The inventory is updated every three years with the participation of bearers, practitioners and stakeholders concerned. Information about the inventorying process was included in Rwanda’s first periodic report and submitted in 2023.

3. Decides to inscribe Intore on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity;
4. Commends the State Party for its first inscription.