Name:

Vytsinanka — the traditional art of paper cutting in Belarus     

The second item name ICH (adopted in a particular community, the local version):

 Paper - knocking out, paper-cutting, cutting out of paper

Corresponding to (s) Community (s), group (s) or individual (s) described:

The communities of vytsinanka artisans in Belarus are pretty diverse and numerous. Some masters live in rural areas or small towns and represent hereditary dynasties. Their practice is based on traditional approaches. They use the vytsinanka technique to decorate home interiors and icons and create voluminous compositions during the calendar holidays. Some younger masters teach the vytsinanka in formal and non-formal education institutions. In some regions, there are associations of masters. The art of paper cutting has practiced by a part of professional artists. The largest association of vytsinanka exists in Maladzechna city, Minsk region, where about 15 masters live. They created the famous educational centre of vytsinanka at the local college of arts. Masters of vytsinanka with the title of “national” are united in a section at the Belarusian Union of Folk Masters. In total, about 300 masters are engaged in paper cutting in Belarus.

Habitat:

Short description:

 Vytsinanka is a traditional art of paper cutting, widespread in the territory of Belarus. It appeared on the Belarusian lands in the 16th century, with the advent of local paper production. Initially, it was used to decorate church interiors or as vestments for icons. In the 19th – the beginning of the 20th-century, vytsinanka has become a traditional activity. It was used in church and secular interiors as a frame for windows, doors, as tablecloths, and napkins. During that time, portrait silhouette cutouts became famous and volumetric compositions made of paper – images of birds, lanterns, and stars during calendar holidays. In the 1960--1970s in Belarus, there was a revival of the vytsinanka, but at more professional level. Associations and schools of masters are formed in the centre and regions, research and publications appear. Today, the art of paper cutting is taught in many art schools, colleges, and universities. At the same time, vytsinanka continues to be a way of creative self-expression in many families, transmitting this tradition from generation to generation. Colouristic restraint, functionality, compositional rigour are characteristics of Belarusian vytsinanka. Stylistically, it is combined with other types of folk art and the symbolism of folk ornament. Traditionally, artisans use various methods of paper cutting – from simply cutting symmetrical compositions with scissors to combining complex pieces using scissors and a chisel. In the West of Belarus, the traditional technique of cutting on cardboard with the help of special cutter and a hammer is also used. The modern Belarusian vytisnanka is distinguished by the richness and variety of genres and forms, compositional solutions. Still, it is based on historical experience, approaches, and methods developed by masters from different parts of Belarus.

Category:

Traditional Craftsmanship » Paper Cut (Vycinanka)

Origin:

The preparation of the nomination file began in 2018. Such a proposal was first made at the National Creative Forum of Vytsinanka, annually in Molodechno (Minsk region). Over 50 delegates attended the forum. Later, the vytsinanki section of the Belarusian Union of Crafts took the lead in preparing nominations for the State List of Historical and Cultural Values of the Republic of Belarus and the National Inventory of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Belarus. Numerous workshops and expert meetings were held in six primary regions, research was carried out, and relevant materials were prepared. Thus, the communities of craftsmen have been steadily working to improve their knowledge about the history, traditions and techniques of vytsinanka and the 2003 Convention and its main provisions, the role and significance of this craft in the culture of Belarus and world culture in general. The exchange of experience and knowledge with colleagues and experts was meaningful in these meetings. They discussed the problems and risks; the musters shared their views on the different programs for safeguarding and promoting the vytsinanka in Belarus. In such discussions, cooperation was established with other stakeholders, who were gradually involved in the nomination process. These are local authorities, employees of cultural and educational institutions, museums, representatives of non-governmental organizations. As a result of such meetings, proposals were prepared and submitted to the Republican Council for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Heritage under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Belarus on giving the art of vytsinanka the status of historical and cultural value from more than 300 masters from different parts of the country. In 2019, the Art of Vytsinanka was included in the State List of Historical and Cultural Values of the Republic of Belarus and the National Inventory. In 2020 - 2021, all interested organizations and individuals were organized and held at the regional and national levels. The purpose was to prepare a nomination for the Representative List of the ICH of Humanity. In November 2021, the Vytsinanka Section organized an online symposium. A draft of a prepared video on the art of Vytsinanka was presented, as well as the final version of the nomination dossier. The symposium was attended by representatives of various artisans, experts, representatives of non-governmental organizations, cultural and educational institutions. The safeguarding plan was also presented, tailored to the existing challenges. The symposium participants approved its main provisions. All vytsinanka masters were enthusiastically involved in the process of preparing the file. They see this as an opportunity to build up international cooperation and increase public interest in the vytsinanka, which will undoubtedly contribute to its development and continuity.

Language or dialect used:

Belarusian, Russian languages

Material objects that are associated with the practice of the element:

paper, scissors

Other intangible elements associated with the practice of the element:

Transmission model element in the community:

Today in Belarus, there are various ways of transmitting knowledge and skills of the paper cutting art: traditionally in the families of craftsmen (there are whole dynasties of artisans), as well as through a developed system of art schools, studios, formal and informal education, master classes by famous masters at festivals and craft fairs. Vytsinanka is studied during labor and fine arts lessons in schools and at a higher level – at an art college in Maladzechna, at the Academy of Arts of Belarus and other art universities. The vytsinanka section of the Belarusian Union of Crafts promotes this art by publishing various manuals, books, exhibitions, and pieces of training.

Paper, scissors, cutting, ornament, pattern

Belarusian art of vytsinanka.pdf

Belarusian art of vytsinanka.pdf