The General Directorate for Cultural Heritage (DGPC) has inscribed the “Moliceiro Boat: Naval Carpentry Art of the Aveiro Region” in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage as an urgent safeguarding measure.
This process aims to value and preserve the art and craftsmanship of the master boatbuilders and moliceiros painters in the Aveiro Region who create some of the most beautiful boats in the world.
The Moliceiro Boat is part of the tradition of traditional naval construction art originating from the Aveiro Region. This type of boat was initially created and used for harvesting “moliço” (aquatic plants essential to fertilize agricultural land), which was one of the most important economic activities in the region for many years.
Today, the Moliceiro is used for tourism and other activities that enhance the boat’s value, such as regattas, contests, publications, or exhibitions, contributing to its preservation. However, finding new professionals to ensure the continuity of this art form regularly has been challenging. This craftsmanship is practiced by only five master builders and one Moliceiro painter, highlighting the DGPC’s recognition of the urgent need to safeguard this art form.
- The manifestation is significance reflects the identity of the community, groups, and individuals who practice it and are associated with it.
- The importance of its historical, social, and cultural dimensions within the territorial area where it is practiced.
- The relevance of the manifestation for sustainable development in the territories where it is practiced.
- The knowledge transmission context’s current characteristics entail risks that could compromise its continuity in the short and medium term.
- The safeguarding and valorization measures are envisaged to ensure the specific craftsmanship’s future viability.
- These elements underscore the importance and urgency of preserving and promoting this intangible cultural heritage.
The Intangible Heritage Profile included in the national inventory can be consulted here.
What are the next steps?
The inscription in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage is another significant step towards the ambition of elevating the “Barco Moliceiro: Art of Naval Carpentry in the Aveiro Region” to the status of UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.
In March 2023, the project was submitted to the National UNESCO Commission, which is currently being evaluated. Following the decision, the next step is integrating into the international UNESCO body, which will further assess possible inclusion.
