The Committee
- Takes note that Chad and Cameroon have nominated Guruna, a practice of pastoral, socio-cultural and artistic retreats centered on livestock among the Massa (No. 02260) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
Guruna is a cultural retreat that acts as a school of life for members of the Massa community, located on both sides of the Logone River in Chad and Cameroon. The term refers to both the participants and the retreat itself, which takes place once a year. During this time, young boys and men move with their cattle to a camp located some distance from their homes. While girls do not stay overnight, they participate by helping with food and preparing decorations. During the retreat, young people are taught wrestling, music, dance, handicrafts and community history and values.
- 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: A particular focus is placed on traditional cattle breeding techniques and veterinary care as part of the symbiotic relationship between the practising communities and the cow. The group is also involved in ritual ceremonies and performances where they demonstrate what they have learned. The transmission of knowledge happens informally, through oral instruction, observation and imitation. Fathers, elders and Guruna masters guide the participants, while community leaders carry out important rituals to ensure the success of the retreat. Girls learn food preparation and craftmaking from older women. Guruna teaches respect for elders, teamwork, discipline and social norms. It also promotes artistic and physical development and community identity while helping young people grow into responsible and active members of society.
R.2: The submitting States Parties demonstrate that inscription of the element would contribute to ensuring visibility and awareness of the significance of the intangible cultural heritage and to encouraging dialogue on traditional breeding practices capable of promoting sustainability in social, cultural, economic, and environmental dimensions. The nomination file outlines that, thanks to the application of traditional techniques of breeding and soil fertilization, the element contributes to food security, health and environmental sustainability. It also promotes peaceful coexistence and gender equality, through the complementary roles of men and women, who also find opportunities for generating income in this practice. The community consent video explains how each aspect is addressed.
R.3: The safeguarding measures are comprehensive and well structured, reflecting a strong commitment by the parties involved, notably the Massa communities, to ensure the intergenerational transmission of the element and its cultural continuity.
R.4: The active participation of the Massa communities – mainly through recognized local associations – in the preparation of the nomination is noteworthy. These associations provided awareness-raising sessions in this regard in all cantons of Massa. With the support of technicians from the ministries responsible for culture, they obtained the free, prior and informed consent of the communities concerned.
R.5: The element was included in the Special Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Chad, and in the General Inventory of Tangible and Intangible Heritage of Cameroon, in 2024. Both inventories are managed by the cultural heritage departments of the ministries responsible for culture in the respective State Party. In Cameroon, the inventory is updated annually. In Chad, it will be updated every three years. Both updating processes rely on the participation of the communities concerned.
- Decides to inscribe Guruna, a practice of pastoral, socio-cultural and artistic retreats centered on livestock among the Massa on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.