Straw weaving is a traditional Belarusian craft that involves creating decorative and functional objects from natural straw, typically rye, wheat, or barley. Practiced especially in rural areas, the technique is passed down through generations and remains a vital part of Belarusian folk culture.
In order to gain international recognition and visibility, the Republic of Belarus and its straw weaving community initiated the process to inscribe the craft on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
© Likhtarovich, 2021
Main methods
Transmission of knowledge and skills:Knowledge transfer primarily occurs through education, both in formal and informal settings such as schools, universities, workshops, folk art centers, and at the family level.
Identification, documentation, and research:Research institutions, universities, and museums are involved in the recording, studying, and promoting of straw weaving.
Preservation and protection:Straw weaving has been included in the State Register of Historical and Cultural Values of Belarus, which means it is protected and supported by the state.
Promotion and enhancement:Exhibitions, festivals, and workshops are organized at national and local levels to promote straw weaving.
Revitalization:Straw weaving is promoted as a modern form of art, aiming to attract young people and integrate it into contemporary environments.
Creation of digital resources:There are plans to create digital resources to showcase straw weaving and disseminate information about this art.
Encouraging dialogue:The nomination aims to strengthen dialogue between communities, artisans, and society, and promote cultural diversity.
Funding:The government of Belarus provides funding for the safeguarding and promotion activities of straw weaving through state and regional programs.
Community participation
The involvement of communities engaged in straw weaving is crucial at all stages of the process, from the submission of the nomination to the design and implementation of safeguarding measures.
In conclusion, Belarus’s nomination for the inclusion of straw weaving in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity represents a comprehensive plan that includes a wide range of measures for the safeguarding and promotion of this significant tradition.
Transmission
The craft of straw weaving is transmitted in various ways today:
- Family Tradition:Knowledge and skills continue to be passed down from generation to generation within the artisan families. This is a key pillar of the art’s preservation.
- Formal & Informal Education:Important roles are played by courses and workshops offered in various educational settings: Art schools & colleges; Art studios; Universities; Folk Art & Arts Centers
- Hands-on Practice: Many artisans learn the art through practical experience, either in a family setting or as apprentices alongside experienced artisans.
- Workshops & Events:Various events offer learning opportunities: Seminars for tourists, excursion groups, and visitors; Workshops at festivals and exhibitions; Classes in cultural centers
- Internet:Modern technologies facilitate the transmission of the art through online courses, videos, and websites.
- Research & Documentation:Systematic research, documentation, and exhibitions in museums and galleries contribute to spreading knowledge.
- Publications:The publication of books, articles, and other materials on the history, typology, and weaving techniques of straw weaving serves as an important source of information.
The art of straw weaving in Belarus is transmitted through a dynamic combination of traditional and modern methods.
Key Stakeholders in Straw Weaving
The key stakeholders in the art of straw weaving in Belarus are:
- Individual artisans:Members of creative unions and craft associations throughout Belarus. Many artisans have received certification and are members of the Union of Teachers of Belarus, and several hold the title “Honored Artisan of the Republic of Belarus.”
- Artisan families:They pass down skills from generation to generation.
- Union of Teachers of Belarus:An organization that supports straw weaving artisans.
- Regional and local craft associations:There are approximately 20 across the country, with the most in Grodno, Vitebsk, and Gorky.
- Educational institutions:Schools, colleges, universities, studios, and arts centers provide formal and informal education in straw weaving.
- Folk Art & Arts Centers:These are located across the country and offer courses and workshops.
- Cultural centers:They organize exhibitions, festivals, competitions, and educational programs.
- Museums:National Art and History Museums, as well as major regional museums, host collections of straw works.
- Research community:Universities, local history museums, and research institutions in the humanities study the art.
- Ministry of Culture of Belarus:Responsible for the protection and promotion of cultural heritage, including straw weaving art.
- Center for Belarusian Culture, Language, and Literature of the National Academy of Sciences:Focuses on the identification, study, and promotion of the art.
- Regional Folklore Centers:Participate in the identification, study, promotion, and monitoring of the art.
These stakeholders, in cooperation with the government and civil society, play a significant role in preserving and developing the art of straw weaving in Belarus.
© Mikus, 2021
Sustainability of Straw Weaving
The sustainability of the art of straw weaving in Belarus is maintained through various measures implemented both at the community and national levels:
- Transmission:Knowledge and skills are passed down through family traditions, courses and workshops in formal and informal educational institutions, and through events such as festivals and exhibitions.
- Families & Communities:Artisan families, guilds, and associations (such as the Union of Teachers of Belarus) play a critical role in preserving the art. They organize exhibitions, festivals, workshops, create studios and clubs, and conduct research.
- Government Support:The Belarusian government has adopted legislative measures to protect the rights of artisans, provide tax and pension benefits, and recognize their work.
- Education:The art is taught in schools, arts centers, and universities.
- Museums:Important straw weaving works are housed in museum collections, including National Art and History Museums.
- National & International Levels:The inclusion of the art in the National Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Belarus and the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List serves as a measure of protection and promotion.
- Cultural Tourism:The development of sustainable tourism forms, including participatory tourism, promotes the art.
- Media:Television and radio programs, films, social media, and print publications are used to raise public awareness.
The sustainability of the art is supported by a coordinated effort in preserving, transmitting, and promoting the tradition.
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