Vietnam proposes ethnic cultures for UNESCO heritage recognition

Vietnam is preparing to submit the dossiers of Xoe Thai dance and Cham pottery craft for UNESCO's intangible heritage recognition.

Vietnam is preparing to submit the dossiers of Xoe Thai dance and Cham pottery craft for UNESCO's intangible heritage recognition.

 

Xoe Thai dance

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc approved of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's proposal to seek UNESCO's recognition for Xoe Thai dance and Cham pottery making art as Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.

The ministry was asked to collaborate with the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO to complete and submit the dossiers to the UNESCO before March 31.

Cham pottery making is also an important element in the daily life of Cham people. One of its unique features is its hand-shaping techniques rather than the use of turntables and outdoor high-temperature baking for five to six hours.

 

Cham pottery making

Xoe Thai is a traditional dance and plays an important role in the daily life of the Thai ethnic people in the northwest of Vietnam, especially in Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La and Yen Bai provinces. The dance is performed in many ceremonies such as funerals and communal festivals. It has been preserved for hundreds of years under various forms. It is also used to show friendship, tighten the bond and express spiritual ideas.

Xoe Thai has been recognised as the national intangible heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.