The Committee

1. Takes note that the Lao People’s Democratic Republic has nominated Fonelamvonglao (lamvonglao) (No. 02099) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

The fonelamvonglao is a celebratory dance practiced widely by Lao communities. It involves couples of men and women. To start the dance, the man typically invites the woman onto the dance floor. The men perform in an inner circle and the women perform in an outer circle, dancing in a counterclockwise direction. The dance consists of cycles of eight movements that are repeated for the duration of the song. The dancers count from one to eight in each cycle, with the number dictating the position of the feet and hands. Traditionally performed in villages, the dance is now practised widely in events ranging from weddings to conferences. It is associated with communal meals and meetings that unite families and communities. The related knowledge and skills are passed down informally through hands-on practice. The dance is also taught in many national and private performance arts colleges and promoted by cultural organizations. A symbol of identity and spirituality, the fonelamvonglao dance is also an embodiment of traditional and modern culture. It is an integral part of Lao community life that provides an opportunity for artistic and cultural expression. It promotes social cohesion within communities and at the national level.

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 is a long standing national celebratory dance practised widely by the Lao communities. It involves couples of men and women and involves a series of movements, rhythm and significant gestures. The bearers and practitioners are representatives of the communities and cultural associations. The related knowledge and skills are transmitted informally through hands-on practice and observation. The dance is also transmitted formally in the national college of performing arts, schools and private education colleges. It is a symbol of identity and spirituality and promotes social cohesion within communities and at the national level. The artistic and cultural expressions of the element symbolise traditional culture and celebrations and transmit cultural, political, and social messages.

R.4:   The bearers and practitioners took an active role during the nomination process. Several open meetings involving associations, researchers, masters, teachers, performers, journalists and NGOs were held. The communities were also involved in the development of the supporting documents, including the documents, photos and video attached to the file. On 27 January 2023, an inter-ministerial meeting chaired by the Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism was held to discuss intangible cultural heritage submissions. The meeting was attended by representatives from the communities and associations concerned, as well as by private sector representatives and the traditional custodians, musicians, dancers and singers. However, all consent letters seem to be from various cultural centres and women’s unions that are related to government departments.

3. Further considers that, from the information included in the file and the information provided by the submitting State through the dialogue process, the nomination satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

R.2:   The file states that the element contributes to the following aspects of sustainable development: food security, quality education, health care, gender equality, inclusive economic development, and peace and social cohesion. The element provides a platform to convey messages to farmers to support annual food production. As a group dance, the element improves social connections, communication and teamwork skills among practitioners. It also contributes to educational principles, including art, moral and physical education, thereby enhancing overall quality education. The dance movements are inspired by the natural environment such as flowing streams, rippling water and swaying rice fields among others. The dance blends art and physical activity that harmonises with Lao culture. The element promotes mental and physical health while encouraging transmission of the Lao values, traditions and ethical norms. The dance is inclusive of practitioners regardless of their age, gender, nationality, religion and ethnicity.

R.3:   The State Party developed a national action plan to preserve the dance. Research about the fonelamvonglao is overseen by the Ministry of Information and Culture. This work has led to the publication of textbooks and general references related to intangible cultural heritage. The State has also provided funding support for performing arts schools, organized competitions and contests, and supported revitalizing activities such as travel and performances. The communities submitted consent letters which attest to the role of schools and cultural centres in implementing the training programmes. The communities’ role in the planning and implementation of the safeguarding measures was clarified during the dialogue process and includes participating in research and studies, updating the inventory, publishing papers in both digital and print forms, implementing capacity building programmes such as training to enhance skills of transmitters and apprentices and finally, disseminating information about the element.

R.5:   The element was inventoried via the Law on Performing Arts No.16/AN, dated May 2017. The element is also documented under dances, paragraph I of the Decision on Intangible Cultural Heritage, updated by decree No. 167 / MICT on 24 February 2023. The inventory is regularly updated by element or topic as part of the Law on Performing Arts. The Performing Arts and Culture Department in collaboration with cultural communities form a Cultural-Social Sub-Committee which is responsible for overseeing the preparation of the inscription file and process and updating the inventory of intangible cultural heritage. The participation of other stakeholders is described in the file and the dialogue response.

4. Decides to inscribe Fonelamvonglao (lamvonglao) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity;
5. Commends the State Party for submitting an improved file that took into consideration the recommendations from the Evaluation Body in 2019.