UNESCO Names Colombia's Marimba Music 'Intangible Heritage'

The popular rhythms of marimba, a traditional instrument and music from Colombia and Ecuador, has been named an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations cultural organization known as UNESCO.

UNESCO made the announcement Wednesday, emphasizing that these musical expressions are part of the social fabric of African descendants of the South Pacific region in Colombia and the province of Esmeraldas in Ecuador.

“Men and women of this community sing stories and poems, accompanying their performances with rhythmic body movements in various rituals, and religious or festive events to celebrate life, worship saints or the mourning of a deceased,” said the cultural organization a statement.

The marimba is a xylophone that is often made out of palm wood. However, the term also refers to a kind of musical genre. The most commonly known marimba style from Colombia's Pacific coast is called Currulao, which is frequent in social gatherings and is well known internationally. It also involves hypnotic chants and a traditional dance.

According to UNESCO, marimba music is “rooted in family and daily activities and the community as a whole is considered the bearer and practitioner, irrespective of age or gender. Elderly people play a crucial role in transmitting legends and stories from oral tradition, while music teachers oversee the transmission of musical knowledge to new generations.”

African communities in Colombia have long faced discrimination in the country. According to reports by the activist group Chao Racismo, these communities often face economic disparities, a large educational performance gap and major underrepresentation in politics.

Racism has continued to disadvantage the Afro-Colombian population, as evidenced by economic disparities, a large educational performance gap, and underrepresentation in politics.

They also face high “unemployment, high dropout rates, illiteracy, overcrowding, poor access to potable water, poor sanitation, child labor, and poor access to government services, among other things,” according to Colombia Reports.

UNESCO established its lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage in order to ensure better protection of important cultures and heritage worldwide, and raising awareness of their significance for local communities.

The announcement comes just one day after UNESCO announced that Colombia's Vallenato folk music is endangered because of the ongoing conflict.

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