14
A
n exhibition of Lefkaritiko embroidery
lace created during a special programme
by the Cyprus National Commission for
UNESCO to promote and extend the life of
the local embroidery, took place at the Lefkara
Handicrafts Centre from 30 October 2015 to 8
November 2015.
Dr Antigoni Polyniki, Cyprus National
Commission for UNESCO Officer, explains
that the exhibition, which was open to the
public for free, was the result of a pilot training
programme that was based on an experiential
learning approach, with the participation
of tradition-bearers and practitioners of
Lefkaritiko, one of Cyprus’ characteristic
handmade productions.
“Focusing on the fact that participants reside
locally, and on the significance of having the
local community participate in its planning and
implementation, the programme attempted to
present the ‘voices’ of all the tradition-bearers
and practitioners, participant students and local
community, where the element in question is
alive; it exists,” said Polyniki.
“Lefkaritiko Embroidery Lace, Modi and
Modulations: Seeking the Revival, the
Recreation and the Conversion of ICH”
By Dr Antigoni Polyniki, Officer, Cyprus National
Commission for UNESCO
Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) is an integral
and binding element of the identity of peoples and
there is increased awareness of this fact over recent
years. This is supported and reinforced by the
ongoing efforts from UNESCO, and the adoption
of international conventions and tools to promote
and preserve the living culture of humanity that is
transmitted from generation to generation, in most
cases orally.
Shifting attention from the monuments and
objects to the people, and acknowledging the
need to save and protect local traditions and the
collective memories of each community, the
UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of
the Intangible Cultural Heritage, adopted in 2003
by the Organisation’s General Conference, first
and foremost creates a normative and operational
framework for the safeguarding of ICH, by
committing member states to take specific action.
Lefkaritiko Embroidery Lace, Modi and Modulations
Exhibition of recent creations
Lefkara embroidery lace lesson, Lefkara Handicraft Centre © 2015, CyNatComA.Polyniki
