Belarusian Vytsinanka, traditional art of paper cutting, inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

On December 4, 2024 the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (UNESCO) during its 19th session (Asunsion, Paraguay) decided to inscribe a nomination of Belarus «Vytsinanka, traditional art of paper cutting in Belarus» on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Vytsinanka is a traditional art of paper-cutting widely spread in Belarus. The craft, which originated in the 16th century, is now gaining a second wind. Exquisite and widely recognized as an element of Belarusian culture, the art of vytsinanka is actively used in the exterior and interior decoration of private homes and public places, such as offices, restaurants, cultural institutions, and theater sets. It is also an integral part of traditional festivals.

Vytsinanka is becoming increasingly creative, and its delicate designs are transferred to fabric and used as an element of clothing. Modern vytsinanka covers many themes reflecting the Belarusian way of life: admiration of nature, Belarusian history, mythology, customs and beliefs, rural and urban life. It is one of the aesthetic foundations of the Belarusian mentality and culture. In Belarus, both women and men of different ages strive to master this accessible but graceful craft that continues the ancient tradition of paper-cutting.

The inclusion of this craft in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity was the result of the joint work of the communities of vytinanka masters, experts and specialists in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage, the National Commission of the Republic of Belarus for UNESCO, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Belarus, the Belarusian State University of Culture and Arts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus and the Permanent Delegation of Belarus to UNESCO.

With the inclusion of the Vytsinanka there are six Belarusian elements in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage lists. Previously, the following elements were included: Rite of the Kalyady Tsars (Christmas Tsars) in the village of Semezhava in the Minsk region, 2009 ; Celebration in honor of the Budslaŭ icon of Our Lady (Budslaŭ fest) in Budslaŭ village, in the Minsk region, 2018 ; Spring rite of Juraŭski Karahod in the village of Pahost Gomel district, 2019 ; Tree beekeeping, 2020 ; Straw weaving in Belarus: art, craft, skills, 2022.

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