Czech glassmakers, engravers, and cutters are poised to potentially secure a coveted spot on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list, with a decision on the matter scheduled for this Wednesday. The tradition of handmade glass, meticulously maintained in certain Czech regions since the 13th century, is under consideration by an international committee based in Botswana, Africa.

The collaborative effort for this nomination involves six countries—Czech Republic, France, Finland, Germany, Hungary, and Spain. Together, they propose safeguarding the entire glass production process as a cultural heritage, encompassing activities from utilizing glass sand to the raw material production and all hand-processing techniques involved in glassmaking.

Milada Valečková, the director of the Glass and Jewellery Museum in Jablonec nad Nisou, explained, “This means from glass sand to raw material production to all techniques of manual glass processing, including grinding, painting, or making wound beads.”

If the joint nomination proves successful, the Czech Republic will boast nine items on the prestigious list of intangible cultural heritage. Current entries include cultural phenomena like Masopust (Carnival), Slovácký verbuňk (a recruit dance), falconry, and the Ride of the Kings.

The addition of blown Christmas ornaments from the Podkrkonoší region in 2020 and rafting in the last year showcases the nation’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its rich cultural heritage. The Czech part of the handmade glass nomination has been meticulously prepared by experts from the Jablonec Museum.

To share this momentous occasion, the Museum of Glass and Jewellery invites the public to participate in a live broadcast of the decision-making process this Wednesday afternoon. The museum clarified, “Our nomination should be discussed in the afternoon block, scheduled from 13:30 to 16:30,” extending an invitation to all to join in witnessing this potential recognition of Czech craftsmanship on the global stage.

Article by Prague Forum