Benefitting country(ies): Madagascar

Overview:

The Zafimaniry community of about 25,000 people practices a unique wood crafting culture. Most wooden surfaces in their villages – from utensils to houses – are delicately crafted, displaying elaborate ornamentation. These motifs carry rich symbolic significance related to Zafimaniry cosmovision and values.

The project will help to raise awareness within the Zafimaniry community about the value of their traditions and improve living standards among them through the creation of income-generating activities. It also intends to foster the continued practice of woodcrafting through certain measures, including the preservation of the community’s natural environment.

Research and documentation of the Zafimaniry’s woodcrafting knowledge will be conducted. Structures at the national, regional and local levels will be created in order to assure the safeguarding of the knowledge in the long term. Workshops focusing on teaching and transmitting traditional techniques will be organized. A reforestation programme will also be implemented.

01/07/2002 - 01/06/2008 – Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Sosso-Bala01/08/2005 - 01/06/2008 – Action plan for safeguarding the Maroon Heritage of Moore Town