Bangladesh rickshaw art lands on UNESCO list
Dhaka's traditional colorful rickshaws are now included as part of UNESCO's "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity." The UN agency wants to preserve the art form for future generations.
UNESCO recognizes Dhaka 'urban folk art'
On December 6, a UNESCO committee meeting at a convention in Botswana added "rickshaws and rickshaw painting in Dhaka" to the "Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity." The UN agency said the rickshaws have become "an established part of this city's cultural tradition as a form of urban folk art."
Bringing colorful art to Dhaka's streets
Scenes depicted on the Rickshaws are both fantastical and realistic. Artists use their imagination to depict life in the city. UNESCO has called the colored carriages "emblematic of urban life in Dhaka."
Combining art, religion and culture
The motifs and inspirations for Dhaka's rickshaw painting are also drawn from aspects of Bangladesh's cultural identity. Here, a vibrant depiction of the Hindu god Krishna in characteristic blue with a female companion. Although Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country, Hindu art remains popular.
Art crossing borders
Rickshaw art reflects and celebrates motifs and themes beyond Dhaka or Bangladeshi culture. It embraces everything, no matter the source, like this depiction of India's Taj Mahal. To add to the art’s distinctive character, artists use their imagination, like the two swans here flanking the monument.
Preserving rickshaw art into the future
For almost 70 years, rickshaw painting has provided a livelihood for artists in Dhaka. But many artists' livelihoods are at risk. UNESCO's South Asia director said the agency will work with communities and authorities to find "innovative and sustainable ways of keeping this living heritage alive for future generations to come."