Uilleann Piping Inscribed onto UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative List
Uilleann Piping became the first Irish element to be inscribed onto UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on Thursday the 7th of December 2017 at the 12th Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which took place in Jeju in the Republic of Korea. The Representative List was established in 2003 to help demonstrate and celebrate the diversity of intangible heritage in the world and to raise awareness about its importance. It promotes aspects of culture that are manifested through practice, representation, expression, knowledge and skill. This programme is one of UNESCO’s seven Cultural Conventions that aim to safeguard and nurture both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Programme is one of the most well-known of these programmes in Ireland. Brú na Bóinne in Co. Meath and Sceilg Mhichíl in Co. Kerry are currently inscribed on the World Heritage list.
There are currently 470 elements inscribed on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage from 117 countries. Ireland ratified the Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Culture Heritage in 2015 and Uilleann Piping is the first Irish element to be inscribed on the list.
Uilleann Piping is a musical instrument used to play traditional Irish music that first emerged in the early 18th century. It plays an integral role in Irish society, in particular in wedding and funeral traditions. Its practice provides a sense of rootedness and connection to the past. Knowledge and skills are transmitted from one generation to the next using both long-established and modern practices.
Na Píobairí Uilleann is the community group dedicated to the access, education, performance and preservation of the tradition of Uilleann Piping. They have been working alongside the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, and the Permanent Delegation of Ireland to the OECD and UNESCO, to ensure the successful inscription of Uilleann Piping on to the Representative List. On September 7th 2017, the Irish delegation organised a diplomatic reception for Uilleann Piping in the Irish embassy in Paris with the support of Culture Ireland and the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Members from Na Píobairí Uilleann, including renowned player Gay McKeon, gave a recital for the guests who included Minister for Education and Skills Richard Burton, T.D., Ambassador Dermot Nolan and Ambassador Patricia O’Brien.
In a statement, President Michael D. Higgins extended his congratulation to those “who made this internatioal recognition possible.” He stated that the insicription of Uillean Piping on to the Representative List “represents an honour for a most valuable part of Irish culture, and for Uillean Piping throughout the world, and is a valuable recognition of the skills, imagination, creativity and importance of those who make, restore and play na píobaí uilleann.” Minister for Cutlure, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Josepha Madigan T.D., echoed this sentiment by stating, “Today’s announcement is a wonderful affirmation of the value of one of the most distinct musical forms to be found anywhere in the world – music which instantly transports you back to Ireland no matter where you are.”
Read both President Higgins and Minister Madigan’s full statements.