More and more traditional Egyptian cultural practices have been finding their way onto the UN cultural agency UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Intricate and time-honoured arts and practices associated with engraving on metals like gold, silver and copper have been officially recognised, casting a spotlight on the artisans who continue to shape history with each delicate stroke.
From the glistening treasures of the pharaohs to the delicate adornments of everyday life, metal engraving has been an integral part of Egypt’s material culture for millennia.
After two years of hard work Egypt along with 10 other Arab countries including Iraq, Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia and Yemen, succeeded in inscribing the arts, skills and practices associated with engraving on metals on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 18th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage held in December in Kasane in Botswana.
“It is a great achievement and a protection of Egypt’s intangible heritage,” said Minister of Culture Neveen al-Kilany, adding that Egypt was particularly rich in intangible heritage and the Ministry was working hard to register it.
She explained that the achievement is the outcome of a collaborative effort involving 11 Arab countries over the past two years in coordination with the Arab Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO), which crafted the nomination proposal.
The focus was on highlighting the cultural diversity inherent in the intangible cultural heritage across the Arab region, a heritage that multiple generations have passed down and preserved over the millennia.
“The essence of this collective effort conveys a message of mutual respect and peace among all nations,” al-Kilany said, adding that Egypt, with its rich history dating back to the dawn of civilisation, has been witness to the enduring legacy of metal engraving. The continuous sustainability of this heritage reflects the nation’s commitment to preserving and showcasing its cultural roots.
The nomination file submitted to the Committee highlighted the history and tradition of metal engraving, saying it is a traditional craft involving the manual cutting of words, symbols, or geometric patterns onto surfaces of items made from gold, silver, or copper.
These items, which can be decorative, utilitarian, religious, or ceremonial, often feature engravings that may be concave or convex, showcasing intricate designs or Qur’an verses. The practice sometimes involves combining different metals like gold and silver. The social and symbolic meanings of the engravings vary across communities.
Engraved objects, ranging from jewellery to household items, hold cultural significance and are frequently exchanged as traditional gifts during weddings or used in religious ceremonies and traditional medicine. Some metals are believed to possess healing properties.
The transmission of metal-engraving skills predominantly occurs within families through hands-on practice and observation. Additionally, training centres, organisations, and universities conduct workshops to pass down the craft. Publications, cultural events, and social media also contribute to the dissemination of knowledge and skills related to metal engraving.
Practiced by individuals of all ages and genders, metal engraving serves as a means of expressing cultural, religious, and geographical identity, as well as the socioeconomic status of the communities involved. The artistry and cultural significance embedded in metal engraving make it a dynamic and enduring craft that continues to be cherished and passed down through generations.
The Committee agreed to inscribe this tradition on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity because the information included in the submitted nomination file satisfied several criteria.
According to the UNESCO Website, this age-old decorative craft is intricately linked to customs, rituals, celebrations, and traditional craftsmanship. By examining the metal objects individuals use, one can discern their affiliations, religious and geographical ties, and social standing. Furthermore, the craft is integral to various social events and rites of passage. Not only does it create employment opportunities and income, but the materials used are environmentally friendly, contributing to overall sustainability.
As a result of being inscribed, local young people can now develop a heightened interest in preserving their heritage. This, in turn, can prompt governments at the national level to create legislation and formulate strategies concerning intangible cultural heritage.
At the international level, existing collaborations can be furthered, and new ones initiated and expanded upon. Facilitating dialogue can be achieved through organising joint activities such as competitions, seminars, cultural forums, training workshops, conferences, and festivals, promoting the exchange of ideas.
The act of inscription can contribute to the encouragement of human creativity and the fostering of respect for cultural diversity. It can act as a catalyst for innovation and artistic expression. Additionally, the involvement of practitioners from diverse backgrounds in the inscription process accentuates the importance of cultural diversity and how it enhances the cultural element.
Historical and present efforts to protect intangible heritage encompass activities like coordinating training workshops, organising exhibitions, and advocating through documentation and research. Governmental bodies in the submitting states have played a crucial role in supporting these protection measures. Their assistance includes facilitating documentation, conducting inventories and research, implementing preservation and protection strategies, and engaging in promotional activities.
Individual states propose diverse measures such as enacting national legislation, implementing tourism strategies, providing tax reductions, offering soft loans, supporting civil-society organisations and NGOs, hosting exhibitions, and aiding in the development of museum collections.
The backing of the states also involves the establishment of specialised committees to monitor and contribute to the effective implementation of such measures.
Cairo workshops: In the bustling workshops of Historic Cairo and quiet studios along the Nile, artisans adept in the alchemy of art and skill breathe life into metals.
The interplay between fire and metal, the dance of chisels, and the honing of techniques all converge to create masterpieces that transcend utility and become timeless works of art. The engraving process itself, whether depicting intricate scenes or geometric patterns, requires a delicate balance of precision and creativity.
Sayed Anis embarked on his journey in metal engraving as a teenager, perfecting his craft over the years. Now 66, this Egyptian artisan is not only a master engraver but also a dedicated mentor, passing down the ancient art to the next generation.
UNESCO has acknowledged the significance of this traditional craft, and Anis, who began his artistic endeavours in his family’s workshop in Historic Cairo, is playing a vital role in preserving it. Local craftsmen draw inspiration from the aesthetic, religious, and cultural references of their societies, creating exquisite works that reflect the rich heritage of the region.
For over three decades, Anis has been providing free apprenticeships to young enthusiasts eager to learn the delicate skill of manually carving words or symbols into a piece of art and household items, a practice deeply rooted in family traditions and often passed down from father to son.
Concerned about the potential disappearance of this time-honoured tradition, Anis is committed to ensuring its continuity.
“The recognition by UNESCO is a significant milestone for this longstanding tradition, prevalent across Egypt and the Arab countries for centuries,” Anis told the Weekly. He added that while the acknowledgment can help to promote the art internationally, local artisans express regret over the undervaluation of metal engraving within their own communities and the lack of government support, a reason that has led many of them to abandon their traditional industry for more reliable and immediate sources of income.
“They changed their career and became taxi drivers instead,” Anis said. “I solely dedicate myself to this profession, unable to fathom a life without the presence of art and creativity. Nevertheless, I firmly believe in the age-old adage that ‘craftsmanship may experience setbacks, but it remains resilient.’”
“But clients no longer seem to appreciate this time-honoured art. Instead, they lean towards acquiring precious items that symbolise heritage, often at remarkably low prices. While this trend might be attributed to the prevailing global economic conditions, I maintain confidence that there will be a revival and renewed vigour for these traditional crafts and ancient vocations. They serve as a reflective mirror, capturing the essence and identity of nations and the main reason for it to be designated by UNESCO,” Anis said.
According to Nahla Emam, a member of the UNESCO Intangible Heritage Evaluation Body and Chair of the board of trustees of the Egyptian Heritage House, Egypt’s mastery of metal engraving stands as a testament to the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
Passed down through generations, the skills associated with engraving have not only survived but flourished, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and artistic finesse that distinguish Egyptian metalwork. From the glistening treasures of the pharaohs to the delicate adornments of everyday life, metal engraving has been an integral part of Egypt’s material culture for millennia.
The UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List was set up in 2003 to recognise, protect, and promote the different cultural practices of member nations. It is made up of an array of oral traditions, languages, performing arts, social practices and rituals and philosophies, as well as traditional craftsmanship. It recognises the instruments, artefacts, objects and spaces that are used to perform or practise these cultural forms.
Emam said that Egypt has previously registered seven of its expressions of intangible heritage on the List and in 2023 extended this to eight.
In 2008, the Al-Sirah Al-Hilaliya epic was inscribed on the List, an oral poem, also known as the Hilali Epic, that recounts the saga of the Bani Hilal Bedouin tribe and its migration from the Arabian Peninsula to North Africa in the 10th century. The tribe held sway over a vast area of central North Africa for more than a century before being annihilated by its Moroccan rivals.
As one of the major epic poems that developed within the Arabic folk tradition, the Hilali is the only epic still performed in its integral form. Once widespread throughout the Middle East, it has disappeared from everywhere except Egypt.
In 2016, the tahteeb, or stick game, was inscribed on the same List. This game has been known since ancient Egyptian times as a form of martial arts. Its role has since changed to that of a festive game, but some of the symbolism and values associated with the practice remain.
Performed in front of an audience, it involves a brief, non-violent interchange between two adversaries, each wielding a long stick while folk music plays in the background. Complete control must be exercised as no striking is allowed.
In 2018, Aragoz traditional hand puppetry was inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. The Aragoz is an ancient form of Egyptian theatre using traditional hand puppetry. Performances are highly popular events, during which the puppeteers remain hidden inside a small portable stage while an assistant interacts with the puppets and crowd. The Aragoz takes its name from the main puppet, whose distinctive voice is created with a voice modifier.
The viability of the practice is threatened by the changing social, political, and cultural circumstances of its enactment, an overall decrease in interest among younger generations, and the advanced age of its active practitioners.
The number of surviving practitioners has diminished while many of those who once-performed stories have now disappeared.
The handmade weaving of Upper Egypt was also inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2020. This traditional craft is an intricate process demanding time, effort, patience, and practice. It involves multiple steps and techniques in preparing, threading, and weaving on the loom to achieve the final product. For centuries, both men and women have utilised their inherited knowledge and artistic talents to produce embroidered textiles, passing down this craft as a family legacy or pursuing it as a profession.
The basic principles have endured over time whether for linen, cotton, wool or silk. However, factories that used to weave with expensive silk yarn have gradually shifted to cotton as it is more financially rewarding, and the small narrow looms have been replaced with wider ones.
The craft is therefore neglected and not transmitted as it was in the past. It is believed that training a new generation of young people would provide a solution to the escalating problem of unemployment in the communities concerned.
Arabic calligraphy: The knowledge, skills and practices of calligraphy was the fifth element to be registered on the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021 and was submitted by Saudi Arabia along with Egypt, Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Sudan, Tunisia, the UAE, and Yemen.
Arabic calligraphy has long been part of Arab culture. It adorns the ceilings of mosques and palaces and is engraved on manuscripts. In Egypt, Arabic calligraphy has been used for the kiswa (cover) of the Holy Kaaba in Mecca for decades, and there is also hajj graffiti, a high season for village artists.
Arabic calligraphy is an art form characterised by the graceful handwriting of Arabic script and seeks to convey harmony and beauty. The practice, passed down through both formal and informal education, involves the fluid rendering of the 28 letters of the Arabic alphabet in cursive script written from right to left. Initially designed to enhance the clarity and legibility of writing, Arabic calligraphy evolved into a distinctive Islamic Arab art form for both traditional and contemporary works.
Artisans and designers leverage Arabic calligraphy for artistic enhancements such as marble and wood carving, embroidery, and metal etching. The practice has transcended borders, finding widespread popularity in both Arab and non-Arab countries, engaging men and women of all ages. Skills are transmitted through informal means or formal channels like schools and apprenticeships, ensuring the continued flourishing of this exquisite art form.
In 2022, festivals related to the journey of the Holy Family in Egypt and the knowledge, skills, traditions and practices of the date palm were inscribed on the UNESCO List.
The celebrations linked to the journey of the Holy Family in Egypt commemorate their voyage from Bethlehem to Egypt, escaping the oppression of King Herod. Annually, Egyptians, including Muslims and Coptic Christians of all ages and genders, actively engage in two significant festivals to honour this event.
The knowledge, skills, traditions and practices related to the date palm was submitted for registration by UNESCO by the UAE along with 15 Arab countries including Egypt, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia and Yemen. Date palms typically thrive in deserts and dry, temperate climates, and are perennial plants with roots that delve deep into the soil in search of moisture.
The enduring historical connection between the Arab region and date palms has fostered a vibrant cultural heritage passed down through generations.
Presently, communities, groups, and individuals in regions where date palms flourish continue to uphold associated practices, knowledge, and skills. These encompass the cultivation and care of date palm trees, as well as the utilisation of their various parts (leaves, fronds, and fibres) for traditional crafts and social rituals.
References to the date palm can also be found in poetry and songs, underscoring its cultural significance. Over centuries, the date palm has been integral to the region, serving not only as a vital source of nutrition but also as a cornerstone of associated crafts, professions, and traditions.
“Egypt today is living testament to its rich intangible heritage. A treasure trove of traditions, rituals, and cultural expressions whisper tales of an unparalleled civilisation. Some of this has been officially recognised by UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List, casting a spotlight on the enduring legacy of this mystical land,” Emam commented, adding that Egypt is working now on listing the musical instrument the semsemeya, a wooden acoustic lyre-harp.
The semsemeya is the shared cultural heritage of countries along the Red Sea, where this instrument is known under the same name.
“The semsemeya has had its roots in Egypt since the ancient Egyptian era, and it was associated with Egyptians during the excavation of the Suez Canal. It continues to be used during football matches today,” Emam said, adding that its nomination dossier will be submitted during the UNESCO Committee session to be held this year.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 18 January, 2024 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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