What is the Georgian chokha, and is it on UNESCO's intangible heritage list?
Men's clothing and chidaoba on the UNESCO list.
Short answer
The chokha is part of traditional Georgian men's clothing, worn with a belt, a dagger, knitted britches and cowhide footwear. UNESCO's Representative List of intangible heritage in 2018 included not the chokha itself but chidaoba wrestling, in which the chokha serves as the special garment. The outfit is thought to originate in Kartli and Kakheti.
Why
- The chokha-akhalukhi is a long garment with a belt-dagger and proper shoes.
- UNESCO's 2018 decision (13th committee session) concerns chidaoba, a wrestling practice that combines wrestling, music, dance and special garments ("chokha").
- Such garments were widely adopted, particularly among the nobility.
Details
The men's outfit took shape as a long chokha-akhalukhi with a belt-dagger and proper shoes, and the silver belt, dagger, knitted britches and cowhide footwear are its essential parts. Check exact dates separately.
Chidaoba ("Chidaoba, wrestling in Georgia", inscribed by UNESCO in 2018 at the 13th committee session) is an ancient form of martial art. For the names of the national dress, read what Georgian national dress is called.
Tip
To see how the chokha is worn, look for festive and ceremonial performances: it accompanies chidaoba together with music and dance.
What may differ
Heritage listings can be updated: there is no separate entry for the chokha on the UNESCO list, but check the current list before relying on this.
Common misconception
The chokha itself was added to UNESCO's intangible heritage list.
What actually happens
In 2018 chidaoba wrestling was added to the list, and the chokha is part of it as a special garment.
People also ask
- What is a chokha in Georgia?
- Is the chokha on the UNESCO list?
Sources
This answer is for reference. Check the UNESCO list status at the time you read this.
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