The Committee
- Takes note that Bulgaria has nominated Bagpipes and bagpipe playing in Bulgaria: transmission of knowledge and skills (No. 02265) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
The bagpipe is a traditional wind instrument made of a leather bag connected to a chanter (a pipe with finger holes and a reed), a drone (a pipe that produces a continuous tone), and a blowpipe used to fill the bag with air. There are different types based on pitch: high, medium and low. The bagpipe is played at social and cultural events, including folk dances, festive meals, rituals and gatherings. It can be played alone or as part of an ensemble and is sometimes accompanied by singing.
- 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 knowledge of making and playing the bagpipe is passed down through families and communities, often by observing and learning by ear. While the practice used to be transmitted mainly from fathers to sons, it now includes women and girls. Today, bagpipe instruction also takes place in community centres, music schools and universities. Group leaders, teachers and skilled craftspeople play a key role in teaching and keeping the tradition alive, and folklore festivals, competitions and gatherings provide more opportunities to share and develop skills. A key component of everyday life and special occasions, the bagpipe connects people to their roots, strengthens community identity, and promotes knowledge sharing and solidarity through bagpipe groups and clubs.
R.2: The nomination file illustrates how bagpipe music has a strong social impact in bringing together communities while promoting respect for their cultural diversity. It also demonstrates how the inscription of the element would contribute to its visibility and to sustainable development in three main areas: quality education, in the context of formal and informal education; inclusive economic development, manifested in the professionalization of practitioners and the strengthening of cultural tourism; and environmental sustainability, since bagpipes are made from local resources that do not threaten the natural environment. In addition, the nomination file shows that the initiatives of the bagpipe-playing community contribute to social cohesion and the transmission of knowledge and skills.
R.3: The nomination includes a series of safeguarding measures at the national and local levels, carried out by communities of practitioners and by the State Party. These measures focus on the transmission of traditional knowledge and skills, raising awareness and visibility of the element and its social role in society, and supporting research and documentation on the bagpipe and its craftsmanship.
R.4: Under the guidance of the Ministry of Culture, the nomination was prepared by a working group composed of various professionals, as well as by bagpipe ensembles, individual practising bagpipe players, and bagpipe makers. Individual artists and several bagpipe communities, characterized by diversity in gender, age, religion and profession, have expressed their consent to the nomination.
R.5: The element was inscribed on the National Inventory Living Human Treasures – Bulgaria in 2004, and on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Bulgaria in 2016. These inventories are managed and updated by the Ministry of Culture and receive contributions from communities, groups, and non-governmental organizations concerned.
- Decides to inscribe Bagpipes and bagpipe playing in Bulgaria: transmission of knowledge and skills on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity;
- Commends the State Party for recognizing the bagpiper’s makers and players in preparing the nominated file.