The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) intangible cultural heritage elements are the non-physical traditions and practices performed by a people. As part of a country's cultural heritage, they include celebrations, festivals, performances, oral traditions, music, and the making of handicrafts. The "intangible cultural heritage" is defined by the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, drafted in 2003 and took effect in 2006. Inscription of new heritage elements on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists is determined by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, an organisation established by the convention.
To date, there are 7 intangible cultural heritages of Cambodia have been inscribed on the list. Five elements are on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and two elements are on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Representative List Name Image Year proclaimed Year inscribed No. Description Royal ballet of Cambodia 2003 2008 00060 Royal Ballet of Cambodia, aka Khmer Classical Dance, is a form of performing arts that has been associated with the Khmer royal court for more than a thousand years. Khmer classical dance renowned for its graceful hand gestures and stunning costumes. Performances would traditionally accompany royal ceremonies and observances such as coronations, marriages, funerals or Khmer holidays. There have four main types of roles in the Khmer classical dance: Neay Rong (the male), Neang (the female), Yeak (the giant), and the Sva (the monkey). The dance is accompanied by the traditional Pinpeat orchestra. Sbek Thom, Khmer shadow theatre 2005 2008 00108 Sbek Thom is a Khmer shadow theatre that featuring 2 meters high. The theatre is believed to date back since before the Angkorian period. The performances could only take place on specific occasions three or four times a year, such as the Khmer New Year, the King’s birthday or the veneration of famous people. The Sbek Thom performances is accompanied by the Pinpeat orchestra, and usually perform the epic of Reamker, Khmer version of Indian Ramayana. Tugging rituals and games 2015 01080 Known in Khmer language as L'beng Teanh Prot, which is linked to Khmer tradition and culture and historically valuable evidence that can be seen through the carvings on the walls of many temples which tell of the Hindu myth “Churning of the Sea of Milk”. It is commonly played during Khmer New Year or Chlong Chet, a rice-related ceremony. Kun Lbokator, traditional martial arts in Cambodia 2022 01868 Kun Lbokator is an ancient Khmer martial arts dating back to at least the Angkorian period, which aims to inculcate and develop mental and physical strength and discipline in its practitioners, by mastering self-defense techniques, while promoting the philosophy of non-violence. Cultural practices and expressions linked to Krama, a traditional woven textile in Cambodia 2024 02115 Krama is a woven textile associated with traditional practices and cultural expressions of the daily life in Cambodia. A rectangular cloth made of either cotton or silk, krama features a variety of grid-pattern motifs. The white, yellow, red and blue dyes used are extracted from natural vegetation and insects, and the cloth is woven manually using a traditional handloom.
Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding List Name Image Year inscribed No. Description Chapei dang veng 2016 01165 Chapei Dang Veng is a type of traditional musical instrument in Cambodian society. The long-necked lute guitar is accompanied by singing which usually about traditional poems, folk tales and Buddhist stories. The Chapei is also used in Phleng Arak, Phleng Kar Boran and Mohaori orchestras. Lkhon Khol Wat Svay Andet 2018 01374 Lakhon Khol is a traditional mask theatre in Cambodia. Having originated in Bhani, a type of drama, mentioned in at least 10th century inscriptions of Cambodia, Lkhon Khol today is performed by males, wearing masks and accompanied by traditional Pinpeat orchestra. It performs only episodes from Reamker, a Cambodian version of the Indian Ramayana.
On-going Nomination Element Image Description Type of File Nominate For Year Traditional Khmer wedding Traditional Cambodian weddings, also known as Khmer wedding ceremonies, are a culturally rich affair. The wedding consists of multiple ceremonies, grand gestures and age-old Buddhist traditions, and traditionally last in three days. Representative List 2026
List of Possibility Items for Registration in the Near Future Traditional Khmer Wedding Moha sangkran Chnam Thmey, the traditional Khmer New Year in Cambodia Bon Om Touk, Cambodian Water and Moon Festival Khleng Ek, traditional Cambodian kite Sotr Khmer, a traditional weaving silk in Cambodia Khmer Silverware Khmer traditional clothing Lakhon Bassac, a traditional folk music and opera in Cambodia Num banhchok, a tradition rice noodles in Cambodia Phleng Arak, an ancient music in Cambodia Yike, a traditional folk music and theater in Cambodia Pleng Ka, Khmer traditional wedding music orchestra
Gallery
See also List of World Heritage Sites in Cambodia Royal Ballet of Cambodia Khmer shadow theatre Lakhon Khol Chapei dang veng Bokator
References
External links UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Official site UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in Cambodia: Official site