The Committee
- Takes note that Belgium has nominated Brussels’ rod marionette tradition (No. 02313) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
Rod puppetry is a traditional form of theatre inherited from traveling fairground theatres in Europe. The puppets are manipulated using metal rods attached to the head and body. These rods allow puppeteers to control the puppets’ movements. The practice requires the skilled teamwork of up to six puppeteers hidden behind a booth. The puppeteers follow the voice of a game leader, who plays all of the characters by varying their voice intonations. The plays, often comedic and improvised according to the audience’s reactions, are based on stories of chivalry, biblical scenes and popular nineteenth-century novels. The use of local language and references to regional culture help create a strong connection with the audience.
- 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: Gender roles in puppetry have become more balanced, and men and women now share various roles, from leaders to puppeteers and costume designers. There are currently about thirty practitioners of the tradition, many of whom were trained at a non-profit theatre that has been safeguarding the art. The practice is passed down within puppet theatres, where new apprentices learn the techniques of manipulation, voice and production. The performances unite people from all walks of life, promoting freedom of expression, tolerance and self-deprecating humour.
R.2: The nomination file clearly demonstrates that this element reflects cultural diversity and the continuity of ancient practices, promoting awareness of the importance of intangible cultural heritage as a whole. In particular, it encourages the preservation of linguistic heritage – more specifically the Brussels dialect – and promotes quality education at the primary and secondary levels. It is also environmentally sustainable, as it uses local wood and recycled materials.
R.3: Safeguarding measures of the element focus on: (a) research and documentation; (b) transfer of knowledge to younger generations; (c) awareness-raising activities; (d) preservation of the Brussels dialect, and (e) promoting sustainable development. The measures involve the participation of practitioners and the support of the State Party.
R.4: The nomination was developed through a long process of discussion and capacity building related to the management of intangible cultural heritage, which involved collaboration between practitioners, administrators and enthusiasts of puppet theatre. The creation of a guestbook and the use of social media facilitated communication about the nomination.
R.5: The element was included in the Inventory of Brussels’ Heritage in 2018 and the Inventory of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage in 2013. The first inventory is maintained by the Cultural Heritage Department and updated on an ongoing basis. The second one is maintained by the General Administration of Culture – Cultural Heritage Department and updated every four years. Both involves the collaboration of the communities concerned and experts.
- Decides to inscribe Brussels’ rod marionette tradition on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.