The Committee
- Takes note that Bangladesh has nominated Traditional Saree weaving art of Tangail (No. 02322) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
The saree is a traditional handwoven fabric, characteristic of the Basak and Jhola communities, respectively composed by Hindus and Muslims. It is made from cotton, silk or jute using a special weaving technique. Tangail sarees are characterized by their fine texture, detailed designs and local patterns, making each piece a work of art that reflects local social and cultural practices. The sarees hold strong cultural value and are often worn during major festivals, weddings and celebrations. Men generally lead the main weaving process, including designing, dyeing the yarn and crafting the fabric using the traditional handloom. Women assist by making thread with a traditional wheel, applying rice starch, and adding the final touches. Other family members, including youth, help by preparing the fabric for finishing.
- 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: Weavers celebrate their work before festivals and ceremonies. While the saree is the most well-known product of the weaving art of Tangail, the same weaving method is also used to make other types of clothing. The knowledge and skills related to traditional saree weaving are passed down informally within families, through observation and hands-on learning, with children starting to learn from an early age. The tradition not only supports local livelihoods but also reflects a shared cultural identity. Symbols of cultural pride and craftsmanship, these sarees are also displayed at national and international events.
R.2: The submitting State Party consistently demonstrates that the practice of weaving is inclusive and promotes peaceful and creative coexistence between people of different genders and religions. The nomination clearly demonstrates that secularism and peace are fundamental values of the weaving community, in which Hindus and Muslims cooperate, working together in the same place and in a cohesive manner.
R.3: The safeguarding plan reflects a multi-faceted and community-driven approach. The measures proposed address challenges such as high production costs, limited market access, and lack of promotion. A central challenge is to overcome the fragmented nature of the safeguarding measures implemented to date and achieve sustainable solutions to ensure the continuity of the element.
R.4: A team composed of members of governmental and non-governmental organizations, researchers and community representatives was tasked with working on the nomination process. The communities, groups and individuals concerned participated in the preparation of the nomination file and provided their free, prior and informed consent.
R.5: The element was included in the Cultural Heritage Inventory of Bangladesh in 2024. This inventory was inaugurated in 2022 and is maintained by the Bangladesh National Museum. The ongoing process of updating this inventory relies on the active participation of community members in meetings organized every six months since the inventory was prepared.
- Decides to inscribe Traditional Saree weaving art of Tangail on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity;
- Commends the State Party for ensuring strong community engagement in the preparation of the nomination.