What steps is Togo taking to gain Unesco recognition for Evala?

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Togo Pursues Unesco Recognition for Evala Initiation Rite

Togo has initiated the process to register the Evala, an ancestral rite of passage for young Kabye men, on the Unesco list of intangible cultural heritage. The Togolese government has expressed a strong commitment to achieving international recognition for this significant cultural tradition. This initiative aims to formally acknowledge and preserve the Evala on a global scale.
Formal Registration Process Underway

The Togolese government, through its Ministry of Culture, has officially commenced the steps required for the Evala's inscription on the Unesco intangible cultural heritage list. This formal process involves submitting documentation and fulfilling criteria set by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to demonstrate the cultural significance and traditional practices associated with the rite.
Government Commitment to International Recognition

Culture Minister Isaac Tchiakpe has publicly stated the government's resolve to ensure the Evala receives due recognition internationally. This determination underscores the importance Togo places on safeguarding its cultural heritage and promoting traditions like the Evala, which are central to the identity of the Kabye ethnic group in the Kara region.
Evala's Significance as a Rite of Passage

The Evala is a traditional initiation rite for thousands of ethnic Kabye men aged 18 to 20, occurring annually in mid-July in Togo's Kara region. The ceremony involves several pre-wrestling rituals, including displaying small scars near the ears, dancing with a dog until exhaustion, and consuming its meat, all intended to imbue initiates with the animal's perceived qualities of strength and resilience. Following these preparatory stages, the young men engage in wrestling matches, a key component of their transition into manhood, with winners demonstrating their prowess and readiness for adult responsibilities.

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What steps is Togo taking to gain Unesco recognition for Evala?

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