The Committee
- Recalling the initial inscription of ‘Traditional weaving of Al Sadu’ (submitted by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait) on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the fifteenth session of the Committee in 2020 (Decision COM 8.b.4),
- Takes note that Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar have nominated Traditional weaving of Al Sadu (No. 02158) for inscription, on an extended basis to include Qatar, on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
Traditional weaving of Al Sadu refers to a woven textile made by Bedouin women using a ground loom. The weavers use natural fibres found in their environment to make a tightly woven, durable textile. The patterns found in Al Sadu weaving reflect the desert environment in its simple, pure form, featuring geometric designs combined to flow in rhythmic repetition and symmetry. Weavers also use bright colours such as reds and oranges to liven up the surroundings. The beauty of each woven item depends on the quality of the spinning and weaving and the expertise of the weaver; the finer the yarn, the more pronounced and delicate the structure and design pattern.
- 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: Over time, the textile has become less a functional object and more a symbol of shared tradition and culture. The primary bearers of Al Sadu are older Bedouin women who are master weavers. They play a key role in transmitting the related skills to others, most often within their households. Associations and educational organizations also play an important role in passing on the skills and knowledge through classes, workshops and exhibitions. A vital cultural, economic and social practice, Al Sadu reflects shared heritage and the importance of female roles in Bedouin society.
R.2: The nomination file demonstrates that the proposed extension will help ensure the visibility and awareness of intangible cultural heritage, fostering dialogue, reflecting global cultural diversity and showcasing human creativity. The nomination of Al Sadu is supported by communities of practitioners, academic institutions and government agencies in Qatar, as the traditional craft serves as a vital cultural, economic and social practice, transmitted from elder craftswomen to the younger generations. Its inscription will encourage dialogue between the States Parties on all the aspects outlined in the original nomination.
R.3: The submitting States assert that the extension represents an opportunity to strengthen current efforts to preserve this element, which depend heavily on the commitment of communities and individuals in the three countries. Several safeguarding measures are proposed by both joining and old community members, who have organized numerous events. In the State of Qatar, the proposed measures focus mainly on three areas: (a) increasing community participation, by promoting the transmission of knowledge and skills; (b) encouraging innovative techniques while preserving traditional methods and cultural values of weaving communities; and (c) strengthening local and international partnerships with educational institutions and other craft communities.
R.4: Government bodies, private institutions and community members participated in the inventorying and nomination process. Women specialized in weaving played a key role, raising awareness, sharing knowledge of traditional and modern practices, and contributing with important information for preparing the nomination documents at all stages. In addition to describing the processes of informing and mobilizing producer communities, collecting data and preparing the nomination file, the submitting States have presented documents supporting the extension of the inscription.
R.5: The element was included in the National Inventory List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2018. The inventory is maintained by the Department of Heritage and Identity at the Ministry of Culture of Qatar and members of the Inventory Committee of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The updates of inventory are carried out with community participation. Information on inventory periodic updates and the inventorying process is available in the periodic report.
- Decides to inscribe Traditional weaving of Al Sadu on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, taking note that the present inscription incorporates and replaces ‘Traditional weaving of Al Sadu’ (No. 01586), previously inscribed in 2020;
- Commends the States Parties for their collaborative work in preparing the extension nomination.