rickshaw art Bangladesh
#Perspective / Traditions treasured, artisans in shadows: Is UNESCO's recognition truly benefiting local craftspeople?
On 6 December 2023, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced the inclusion of Bangladesh's iconic rickshaws and rickshaw art on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Similarly, many of our heritage crafts, namely the traditional art of Jamdani and Shital Pati weaving were given recognition by UNESCO in 2013 and 2017 respectively. But how are our artisans doing?
How did rickshaws become our heritage?
When exactly did we start appreciating the rickshaw, to a point that we now consider it to be part of our collective identity?
From streets to heritage: UNESCO recognises rickshaws and rickshaw art as intangible cultural heritage
Rickshaw art tells stories of the city's history, folklore, contemporary life, and even features the faces of our celebrated movie stars!
The story of rickshaw art in Bangladesh
Rickshaw painting is an art unique to Bangladesh with its unusual burst of colours. What started with a view to attracting more customers with colourful rickshaws has now become an ambassador of our lives. UNESCO recently recognised rickshaws and rickshaw paintings as intangible cultural heritage.
Traditions treasured, artisans in shadows: Is UNESCO's recognition truly benefiting local craftspeople?
On 6 December 2023, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced the inclusion of Bangladesh's iconic rickshaws and rickshaw art on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Similarly, many of our heritage crafts, namely the traditional art of Jamdani and Shital Pati weaving were given recognition by UNESCO in 2013 and 2017 respectively. But how are our artisans doing?
How did rickshaws become our heritage?
When exactly did we start appreciating the rickshaw, to a point that we now consider it to be part of our collective identity?
From streets to heritage: UNESCO recognises rickshaws and rickshaw art as intangible cultural heritage
Rickshaw art tells stories of the city's history, folklore, contemporary life, and even features the faces of our celebrated movie stars!
The story of rickshaw art in Bangladesh
Rickshaw painting is an art unique to Bangladesh with its unusual burst of colours. What started with a view to attracting more customers with colourful rickshaws has now become an ambassador of our lives. UNESCO recently recognised rickshaws and rickshaw paintings as intangible cultural heritage.
