Arts and crafts in the Ore Mountains to become intangible cultural heritage

The arts and crafts in the Ore Mountains are to become intangible cultural heritage. Culture Minister Barbara Klepsch (CDU) announced on Friday that the state is campaigning for this old tradition to be included in the nationwide list. The conference of state culture ministers is expected to decide on the inclusion in spring 2025.

"For centuries, the Ore Mountains have stood for authentic craftsmanship in the best sense of the word," emphasized Klepsch. "Unique and high-quality products are created here, for which very special craft techniques have been developed, such as hoop turning or chip carving."

The application for inclusion in the intangible cultural heritage was submitted by the Association of Erzgebirge Craftsmen and Toy Manufacturers, which represents more than 50 manufacturers. Managing Director Frederic Günther emphasized that this was not about commercial considerations. Rather, the aim was to give a further boost to the cause of preserving and further developing arts and crafts as an identity-forming, traditional cultural asset that shapes the entire region in a globalized and digitalized world.

The nomination is reportedly in line with a recommendation from the Saxon Cultural Senate. At the same time, the arts and crafts will be included in the state list of intangible cultural heritage, it said.

The Free State is already represented in the nationwide list with eleven cultural forms. These include musical instrument making in Vogtland, traditional charcoal burning and the cooperative idea as well as mining parades, the singing of the Steigerlied and the social customs and festivals of the Lusatian Sorbs.