UNESCO - Lavash - Armenian traditional bread (foto+video)

Lavash, the preparation, meaning & appearance of traditional bread as an expression of culture in Armenia..

Lavash is a traditional thin bread that forms an integral part of Armenian cuisine. Its preparation is typically undertaken by a small group of women, & requires great effort, coordination, experience & special skills. A simple dough made of wheat flour & water is kneaded & formed into balls, which are then rolled into thin layers and stretched over a special oval cushion that is then slapped against the wall of a traditional conical clay oven. 

After 30 seconds to a minute, the baked bread is pulled from the oven wall. Lavash is commonly served rolled around local cheeses, greens or meats, & can be preserved for up to 6 months. It plays a ritual role in weddings, where it is placed on the shoulders of newlyweds to bring fertility and prosperity. The group work in baking lavash strengthens family, community & social ties. Young girls usually act as aides in the process, gradually becoming more involved as they gain experience. Men are also involved through the practices of making cushions and building ovens, & pass on their skills to students & apprentices as a necessary step in preserving the vitality & viability of lavash making.

Decision 9.COM 10.3
The Committee (…) decides that [this element] satisfies the criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, as follows:

R.1: The knowledge & skills related to preparation, consumption & use of lavash have been transmitted within families as part of their everyday life; they constitute a fundamental component of identity & a symbol of friendship and reconciliation;

R.2: Inscription of the element on the Representative List could increase visibility of intangible cultural heritage in general and promote awareness of the importance of foodways as part of the cultural identity of communities;

R.3: The proposed safeguarding measures include formal & non-formal education, organization of festivals &
exhibitions, eco-tours for children and the development of tourism initiatives, as well as research, production of documentaries & publications & establishment of a new museum;

R.4: The nomination was prepared with wide & active participation of communities, associations, researchers, local government bodies & academic and scientific institutions; free, prior and informed consent of communities was provided;

R.5: The element is included in the Intangible Heritage List of the Republic of Armenia, which is regularly updated & can be accessed via Internet.

Takes note that lavash is shared by communities in the region & beyond, recalls that inscription on the Representative List does not imply exclusivity & encourages the submitting State when implementing safeguarding measures to remain conscious of the element’s larger cultural context in the region;
Recalls the importance of using vocabulary appropriate to the spirit of the Convention & avoiding expressions such as ‘unique’ and ‘original’.