The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage convened in Rabat – Morocco on its 17th session decided to include the file „The art of the traditional blouse with shoulder embroidery (altita) – an element of cultural identity in Romania and the Republic of Moldova” in the List of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity, according to Agerpres.

The announcement was made on Thursday by deputy Ana-Maria Catauta, chairperson of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate’s Joint Standing Committee on Liaison with UNESCO.

„The decision taken by the Committee today, as we celebrate Romania’s National Day, represents the universal recognition of the beautiful story of a tradition originating from Romania and the Republic of Moldova’s common root. The top sleeve embroidery folk blouse, or the Romanian ‘ia’ as we all know it, represents a legacy passed down from generation to generation, out of love and with love. Worn by girls and women, featured in paintings and sung in poetry, proudly and assiduously promoted by Queen Maria herself and the Royal Family of Romania, the top sleeve embroidery blouse is one of the identity elements that give us strength and power,” the deputy said in a statement.

According to Catauta, the inclusion of the garb item in the UNESCO Heritage also entails a series of responsibilities.

„The honorable recognition and inclusion in the UNESCO Heritage comes with a series of responsibilities, but I am convinced that we will succeed in implementing a clear and consistent set of public policies to support and promote the art of the top sleeve embroidery blouse. I also hold high hopes that we will be able to attract all creative and bold ideas around this project. I publicly thank all those who contributed to this victory, through seriousness and dedication, and above all, through perseverance. My gratitude also goes to the former chairs of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate’s Joint Standing Committee on Liaison with UNESCO, deputies Mihai Weber and Ionel Palar, who essentially contributed through timely decisions to the inclusion of the top sleeve embroidery blouse in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,” Ana-Maria Catauta says.

Agerpres