An exhibition of the naĂŻve painting practices of KovaÄŤica. (source: TASR)
The tradition of painting and decorating objects with representations of folk and everyday life, as well as rural environments, as practised by the Slovak minority in Serbia, has been included on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The decision was made at the 19th meeting of its Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Asuncion, Paraguay, on December 3.
Practitioners are self-taught and use oil paint in bright hues. According to the UNESCO website, "the practice is transmitted informally within families and local communities, with older community members sharing painting techniques and skills with youth".
Known as the naïve painting practices of KovaÄŤica, Serbia, the art dates back to 1930s to the town of the same name. Eventually, it spread to other towns with Slovak communities. It is a reflection of the relationship between individuals, communities and their environment.
Although in the past it was women who engaged in the decorating activities, over time men got involved as well.
Currently, there are more than 41,000 Slovaks living in Serbia.
It was the Serbian Culture Ministry who submitted a move to include the art on the UNESCO list in 2023.
