UNESCO includes the traditional wall-carpet craftsmanship in Romania and R. of Moldova in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

On December 1, Romania’s national day, UNESCO has decided to include in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity the traditional wall-carpet craftsmanship, along with eleven other issues worldwide.

“Traditionally, wall carpets produced by weaver communities of Romania and the Republic of Moldova were used for decoration, funerals, exhibitions and as part of a bride’s dowry. These days, they are mainly appreciated as works of art. Techniques have changed from vertical/horizontal looms practiced in some parts to tight picking and other forms, with weavers now able to work from home. An expression of creativity, identity and tool for social cohesion, it is passed on within families and by craft centres and colleges,” the UNESCO website reads.

Romania is included in the Material Heritage List of UNESCO with: 7 Saxon fortified churches in Transylvania, Hurezi Monastery, nine painted Churches in northern Moldavia, the historic centre of Sighisoara, eight Wooden Churches of Maramures, six Dacian fortresses in Orastie Mountains.

On the list of Intangible Heritage List, Romania has entered in the UNESCO patrimony: Doina, Căluşului rit, the ceramics of Horezu, Carol singing in fog (file jointly with R. of Moldova).