The Committee
- Takes note that Sudan has nominated Al-Jertiq: practices, rituals and expressions for preservation, protection, abundance and fertility in Sudan (No. 02275) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
Among the Nubian populations residing in northern Sudan, along the Nile, up to the Egyptian border, Al-Jertiq is a ritual for protection, fertility and abundance that is held during significant life events such as marriage, childbirth and circumcision, or to mourn the death of a young, unmarried man. Although the ritual has adapted over time to different environments and social changes, its core meanings and functions have remained intact. Al-Jertiq involves a variety of ornate tools that hold symbolic meaning and are tailored to specific occasions. Each tool has a distinct purpose, such as protecting practitioners from the evil eye, bringing good fortune or promoting fertility.
- 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 ritual is believed to be incomplete and unlucky if anything is missing. The ceremonies are led by older women, and participants include brides, grooms, new mothers, children and others involved in or connected to the ceremony. Al-Jertiq is transmitted informally, with girls observing and imitating their grandmothers, mothers and older sisters during the ceremonies and for related activities such as cleaning, counting, sorting and preserving the various objects related to the ritual. The practice is also transmitted through school and university events, as well as on social media. A rite of passage, Al-Jertiq plays an important role in building identity, guiding people through important life transitions, and strengthening community ties.
R.2: The submitting State Party consistently demonstrates how the element contributes to sustainable development and how its inscription would ensure the visibility and awareness of the importance of intangible cultural heritage. The element plays a central role in fostering unity and community cohesion, offering an opportunity for individuals to celebrate their cultural heritage together. In this sense, its contribution to peacebuilding is extremely relevant in the context of conflicts and forced migrations experienced at the national level. In addition, the element contributes to various aspects of sustainable development by integrating cultural, social, economic and environmental dimensions. Its inscription would raise awareness about and increase the visibility of Sudan’s diverse cultural practices, at both the national and international levels.
R.3: The nomination file provides a comprehensive and detailed safeguarding plan, including measures aimed at documentation, education, intergenerational transmission, awareness-raising and capacity-building. These measures were designed to harmonize the preservation of traditional practices with possibilities for innovation and cultural creation. The participation of government bodies, universities, non-governmental organizations, community bearers and individuals in planning and implementing the plan is evident.
R.4: The nomination file demonstrates extensive community participation from various groups, including both male and female practitioners, youth and elders at all stages of the preparation of the proposal, which began in 2018. The involvement of women, who are the primary bearers of the ritual, is particularly emphasized. Evidence of free, prior and informed consent has been gathered through diverse methods, including written and audiovisual consent, ensuring that all parties concerned fully support the nomination.
R.5: The element was included in the Sudan National Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory in 2018. Maintained by the National Council for Cultural Heritage and the Promotion of National Languages, this inventory is updated every four years with the help of liaison officers in the States, non-governmental organizations and relevant authorities. It was last updated in 2022.
- Decides to inscribe Al-Jertiq: practices, rituals and expressions for preservation, protection, abundance and fertility in Sudan on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.