This article lists the practices listed in UNESCO intangible cultural heritage to Zimbabwe.
Understand
The country has two practices listed on the "representative list of intangible cultural heritage From UNESCO.
No additional practice is included in the "register of best practices for safeguarding culture "Or on the"emergency backup list ».
Lists
Representative list
| Convenient | Year | Domain | Description | Drawing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mbende Jerusarema dance | 2008 | * social practices, rituals and festive events * know-how related to traditional craftsmanship | Mbende Jerusarema is a popular dance performed by the Zezuru Shona, an ethnic group established in eastern Zimbabwe, particularly in the districts of Murewa and Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe. Performed by both men and women, the dance is characterized by acrobatic and sensual movements. It is punctuated by the polyrhythmic beat of a drum accompanied by a group of men playing tap dancing and women clapping their hands, yodeling and blowing whistles. Unlike other similar dances fromEast Africa, Mbende Jerusarema does not require elaborate sequences of steps or large sets of drums. The music is performed by a single master drum, without vocals or lyrics. During the dance, the men repeatedly squat, waving their arms and vigorously strike the ground with their right leg to imitate the burrowing mole. The dance’s strange name says a lot about the vicissitudes it has gone through over the centuries. Before colonial rule, this ancient fertility dance was called Mbende, a shona word meaning "mole", an animal that once symbolized fertility, sexuality and family. Under the influence of Christian missionaries who disapproved of this sexually explicit dance, it was renamed Jerusarema, a Shona adaptation of the name of the city of Jerusalem, in order to give it a religious connotation. Today, both names are commonly used. Despite its condemnation by the Christian Church, the dance retained its popularity, becoming an object of pride and identity in the struggle against colonialism. More and more often performed as an exotic entertainment for tourists, it is losing its character and meaning. It is also more frequently used in political party meetings where it lacks its original intentions. The mitumba drum, rattles and whistles that traditionally accompanied it have been successively replaced by poor quality instruments, contributing to the loss of the uniqueness of Mbende music. |  |
| The art of making and playing the mbira / sanza, a traditional lamellophone in Malawi and Zimbabwe Note Malawi shares this practice with the Malawi. | 2020 | * Performing Arts * Social practices, rituals and festive events * Know-how related to traditional craftsmanship * Oral traditions and expressions | The art of making and playing the mbira / sanza, a traditional lamellophone in Malawi and Zimbabwe, plays a key role in the communities involved. The basic mbira / sanza is an instrument made of a wooden plank to which metal blades are attached.It is sometimes mounted on a wooden calabash / sound box. Metal blades, made from spoon handles, bicycle wheel spokes, or spring wire, are pinched using your thumbs alone or in combination with other fingers. The mbira / sanza emits a fluid and punchy sound considered mystical, peaceful and enchanting. The music of the mbira / sanza is also characterized by its cyclical nature: each new repetition of a theme varies slightly from the previous one and incorporates many interwoven melodies. The instrument can be practiced alone or with others, in a group. Traditionally, transmission takes place through learning within the family circle. But nowadays the practice is also transmitted formally, and the art of making and practicing mbira / sanza is taught in some schools. The songs convey important messages. For example, they warn children against bad behavior or condemn negative behavior by community members. Music is also used to accompany accounts of past events. Whenever practiced, mbira / sanza acts as a "weapon" to condemn violence and other social problems. |  |
Register of Best Safeguarding Practices
Zimbabwe does not have a practice listed on the Best Safeguarding Practices Register.
Emergency backup list
Zimbabwe does not have a practice on the Emergency Safeguarding List.
