The China-Africa Seminar on Intangible Culture Preservation and Inheritance concludes at Yunnan University, on Nov 3. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

The China-Africa Seminar on Preservation and Inheritance of Intangible Cultural Heritage concluded at Yunnan University (YNU), on Nov 3. 

The closing ceremony was presided over by Zhang Yonghong, director of the Center for African Studies at YNU. 

During the closing ceremony, Professor Chen Qian from Hong Kong Shue Yan University; Charles Owuor Olungah from the University of Nairobi; Getachew Zeru Gebrekidan from the Ethiopian Civil Service College; Su Junjie from the Institute for Cultural Development at YNU; Dorothea Maria van der Merwe from the University of Pretoria, and Audia O. Atogo from the National Museum of Kenya, delivered remarks and outlined their latest research work.   

Li Yan, dean of the Institute for Cultural Development, delivered a memorable closing speech. He said that scholars from both sides had fully savored the significance of protecting intangible cultural heritage for individuals, families and communities at the seminar. 

This seminar has also helped African partners understand China’s efforts to preserve cultural heritage, as well as the need for further cooperation, he added. 

Fazlin Fransman, senior researcher of North Cape Town Cultural Department in South Africa, presented Li with books as gifts to express her thanks for organizing the seminar. 

Nov 3 coincidentally marked the birthday of Tumo Jantjie, one of the African attendees of the seminar. Volunteers prepared a cake for him and the closing ceremony concluded with celebrations. 

The 10-day seminar included five keynote speeches, 30 lectures and five themed meetings. During the seminar, attendees also got the chance to visit Yunnan Nationalities Museum, Yunnan Nationalities Village, Dali Ancient City, the Tea-horse Ancient Town in Jianchuan county and other areas famous for their efforts to preserve local intangible cultural heritage.

Attendees share their thoughts during the closing ceremony. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

Fazlin Fransman, presents books to Li Yan, dean of YNU’s Institute for Cultural Development, to express her thanks for his work to organize the event.[Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

Attendees celebrate Tumo Jantjie’s birthday at the closing ceremony of the seminar. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]