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Help! Croatia’s Ojkanje singing on UN list of cultural traditions in need of protection

Tue, Nov 16 2010 10:52 CET

byThe Sofia Echo staff

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Help! Croatia’s Ojkanje singing on UN list of cultural traditions in need of protection

Irina Bokova, Unesco Director-General

Photo: Reuters

Croatia’s Ojkanje singing has been put on a United Nations list of cultural traditions in urgent need of protection.

Found in the Croatian regions of the Dalmatian hinterland, the Ojkanje is performed by two or more singers using a distinctive voice-shaking technique created by the throat. Each song lasts as long as the lead singer can hold his or her breath, the UN News Service said.

The decision was taken at the fifth meeting of Unesco's inter-governmental committee on Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which is administered by UNESCO), was adopted in 2003 and is ratified by 132 states.

It recommends the protection of elements such as oral traditions and expressions, performing arts, social practices, rituals and festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe and know-how related to traditional handicrafts.

"The Convention is one of the most innovative instruments that we have developed to address contemporary challenges," said Irina Bokova, UNESCO’s Director General, in her opening address. "I see our commitment to intangible heritage as an act of solidarity, respect and understanding of others," Bokova said.

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