THE Department of Archaeology and National Museum has begun collecting public opinions through a survey regarding the potential inclusion of Myanmar’s traditional Thanaka culture in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The survey seeks respondents’ details such as name, age, residence, education, and occupation, as well as their stance on the listing of Myanmar’s traditional Thanaka culture in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The department is working towards resubmitting the nomination by 31 March 2025 to secure UNESCO recognition.

Although Myanmar has numerous intangible cultural heritage elements, only Thingyan (the Water Festival) has been officially recognized by UNESCO so far. Thanaka, which has been used in Myanmar for over a thousand years as part of its cultural traditions, remains a significant national heritage. Given its longstanding cultural value and alignment with UNESCO’s five criteria for intangible cultural heritage recognition, efforts to submit the nomination began in January 2020.

ASH/KNN

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