Sokal ceramics have been added to the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage
The Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine has included the tradition of making and the art of creating Sokal ceramics in the National List of Elements of Ukraine’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. This was announced by the ministry.
Sokal ceramics originated in the city of Sokal (now the Sheptytskyi District of Lviv Oblast), which has been one of the most famous centers of Ukrainian pottery since the 15th century.
Products from this center are easily recognizable by their characteristic decoration: broad strokes of green, yellow, and brown on a white background, as well as large depictions of birds, flowers, sunflowers, branches, rosettes, and clocks.
The manufacturing process is based on traditional methods of hand-made pottery and multi-stage decorative finishing. Today, Sokalska ceramics are used not only as decorative items but also in everyday life. Clay vessels are used to prepare food and store water, dairy products, honey, grain, and other foodstuffs, as clay effectively retains the temperature and flavor of the products.
Certain ceramic items also hold ritual significance. They are used during religious holidays, weddings, family celebrations, and seasonal rituals, while decorative bowls, plates, and tiles adorn traditional Ukrainian homes.
Once an element is included in the National List, local communities are expected to implement recommendations for its preservation and promotion. Currently, more than 120 elements have already been included in the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine.
Source: Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine.
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