Unesco hails Jamdani saris as intangible cultural heritage

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural

Organization's Inter-Governmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Heritage has unanimously declared the craft of making Jamdani saris an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’. Jamdani is a vividly patterned, sheer cotton fabric, traditionally woven on a handloom by craftspeople around Dhaka region.

This year the committee has inscribed 14 elements on the list which serves to raise awareness of intangible heritage and provide recognition to communities' traditions and know-how that reflect their cultural diversity. In a statement, the Unesco said, “Jamdani is a time-consuming and labour-intensive form of weaving because of the richness of its motifs which are created directly on the loom using the discontinuous weft technique. Weaving is thriving today due to the fabric's popularity for making saris, the principal dress of Bengali women at home and abroad. The Jamdani sari is a symbol of identity, dignity and self-recognition and provides wearers with a sense of cultural identity and social cohesion.”

It added, “The weavers develop an occupational identity and take great pride in their heritage; they enjoy social recognition and are highly respected for their skills. A few master weavers are recognized as bearers of the traditional Jamdani motifs and weaving techniques and transmit the knowledge and skills to disciples. Weavers - together with spinners, dyers, loom-dressers and practitioners of a number of other supporting crafts - form a closely knit community with a strong sense of unity, identity and continuity.”
It added that inscription will ensure visibility and awareness of the socio-cultural significance of the intangible cultural heritage which is expressed in a body of knowledge, practices and traditional craftsmanship. More importantly its inscription, by testifying to human creativity, will encourage the local and international consumers to ensure it’s safeguarding as an element of cultural diversity worldwide and for the tremendous social and economic impact it creates in the lifestyle of the community concerned.