Benefitting country(ies): United Republic of Tanzania

Overview:

Implemented by the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, this preparatory assistance request concerns the nomination of Khanga – a symbol of Tanzanian identity and cultural heritage to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Khanga is a rectangular cloth that is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the practising, primarily coastal, communities. The cloth is characterized by its three parts: the decorative border (pindo), the central design (mjt), and an inscribed Swahili message or proverb (Uina) reflecting the wearer’s sentiments and cultural values. Initially associated with slavery, Khanga became a symbol of cultural pride after the abolition of slavery. It is used in ceremonies, religious practices and everyday life. Beyond its functional uses, Khanga is a means of communication and a symbol of social cohesion, tradition and national identity. The objective of the project is to safeguard Khanga and promote its cultural significance within the country. It also seeks to ensure that the cultural, historical, and social values embodied in Khanga are transmitted to future generations.

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