Columbia is happy. The Unesco recognized the Ancestral Knowledge System of the four indigenous peoples of the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta: Kogui, Wiwa, Arhuaco and Kankuamo as intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
The announcement was made within the framework of the 17th session of the Unesco Intergovernmental Committee on Intangible Cultural Heritage, which is taking place in the capital of Morocco until next December 2.
“They are teaching us, their younger brothers, a new relationship of wisdom with water, nature, the earth and also with human beings”
This was the announcement of the culture minister, Patricia Ariza and who stated that «they are teaching us to respect water, they are teaching us a spirituality as you call it, necessary to change the world and human relations with nature. Thank you for who you are.”
The application and then the designation was made with the technical support of the culture Ministry, the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Knowledge Mi CASa; the Ministry of Foreign Relations and the determined support of the Government of Magdalena.
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The Ancestral Knowledge System that encompasses the sacred mandates that sustain the existence of these four peoples in harmony with the universe, both physical and spiritual, is based on the Law of Origin, which contains various codes of teaching, learning, and behavior.
The Law of Origin is embodied in the Sierra Nevada in the ecological calendar, sacred sites, baptism rituals, marriage, and payments (compensation) to the spiritual powers that are expressed in plants and animals.
Similarly, traditional dances and dances are other forms of spiritual communication with each of the elements of nature as established by the Law of Origin.
This ancestral wisdom plays a fundamental role in guaranteeing the protection of the Sierra Nevada ecosystem and avoiding the loss of the cultural identity of the four towns.
The Arhuaca indigenous ambassador, Leonor Zalabataexpressed “this being of knowledge that we have that becomes culture, identity is really the background of our way of being”
“We have the legacy of caring for the heart of the world and life in the universe”
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The Governor of Magdalena pointed out that “They inspire us and contribute to the fight for change and social transformation that we promote in our region, to build a fairer, more inclusive country, with collective opportunities.”
He also indicated that when he speaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta as the heart of the world, it is because “it is an engine with the capacity to sustain a territory and sustain different cultures.” Colombia in Morocco, José Renato Salazar.
What does this statement mean:
recognition as Intangible Cultural Heritage of humanity of the Ancestral Knowledge System of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta by Unesco, will promote appreciation and respect for indigenous peoples, for their invaluable contribution to the conservation of this vital territory for Colombia and the world.
Also the opportunity to share their ancestral knowledge and reflections around coexistence and care for the environment and the territory, in an event called “Caring for Mother Earthwe save the heart of the world and the universe”, next December 1st.
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta was declared Columbia National Natural Parkia in 1964. “The National Parks Tayrona Y Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and its archaeological sites” were inscribed on the Colombian Tentative List of World Heritage assets in 2012.
List of Intangible Cultural Heritage:
The cultural space of Saint Basil of Palenquethe Black and White Carnivalthe Grass Varnish o Mopa – Mopa and as of today, the Ancestral Knowledge System of the four indigenous peoples of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta are part of the List of Intangible Heritage of Colombia.
Thus, Colombia advances in its commitment to reinforce the mechanisms that allow the preservation of this cultural manifestation, gestated for centuries by the guardians of the Sierra Nevadareknown as the “heart of the world” and designated by the Unesco since 1974 as a biosphere reserve.
The initiative also seeks to improve the quality of life of more than 200,000 inhabitants of the Sierra, as well as the promotion of intangible cultural heritage as a valuable way of understanding the territory and environmental care.
The Unesco You will have two years to evaluate each of the points that make up the file and to request, if required, additional information. In December 2022 it is announced whether or not it is included in the list.