Photo: Channel News Asia
Silat, a traditional Malay martial arts form, has existed for a long, long time. It first made its debut in the 1987 Southeast Asian Games.
Now, it just got recognition from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) under the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity category! A bit of a mouthful to say out, but it’s a huge accomplishment!
The honour was given out at the 14th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Bogota, Colombia on 12 December.
Photo: The Sun Daily
There were 15 cultural practices who joined the Representative List of Intangible Heritage, with other ones including Indonesia's Pencak Silat and Thailand's Nuad Thai (traditional Thai massage). We can agree wholeheartedly that Traditional Thai massages are definitely a heritage!
According to Bernama, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi, said the decision to include silat on the list was made by the international body which consists of 24 members.
Relevant documents regarding the nomination of silat under the aforementioned category were sent over to Unesco in Paris on 30 March 2018.
“It is a world class recognition for silat to be enlisted by Unesco as it is one of the country's most enduring cultural heritage treasures," Mohamaddin said, adding that this move from Unesco will also help Malaysia to gain exposure and attention from around the globe as it shows our nation’s commitment in preserving our traditional art form.
Unesco describes silat as “a combative art of self defence and survival rooted in the Malay Archipelago. Traced back to the early days of the Langkasuka Kingdom, Silat has now evolved into a fine practice of physical and spiritual training associated with traditional Malay attire, musical instruments and customs. There are many styles of silat, named after natural elements such as animals and plants from the area where they are practiced. Many practitioners have been trained, and silat is now a popular sport for health and leisure” on the Representative List of Intangible Heritage.
We sure are proud of how far silat has come!
By: Celestine Foo
