Two traditional Chinese art forms have been proclaimed Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Friday named the Art of Chinese Xinjiang Uyghur Muqam along with the Urtiin Duu, Mongolian traditional folk Long Song (a joint application of China and Mongolia), art forms to be put under government protection.

China's Kunqu Opera and the Art of Guqin Music were designated as Masterpieces in 2001 and 2003 respectively.

An 18-member international jury, including anthropologists and theater artists, reviewed 64 candidates submitted by 75 UNESCO member states between Monday and Thursday.

41 other art forms designated Friday include Japan's theater form of Kabuki, South Korea's Gangneung Danoje festival, India's traditional performance of the Ramayana, Spain's Patum festivity and Bangladesh's Baul songs.

The jury reviewed the candidates' artistic level, need for preservation, and how well they reflect the characteristics of the countries or cultures they come from.

UNESCO designates intangible forms of art, such as oral expression, music, rituals and social practices, on its list of "masterpieces". Forty-seven were chosen in the past two proclamations.

Those designated will be candidates for cultural forms to be protected under the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, likely to enter into force in 2006, after ratification by 30 countries.

(CRI November 26, 2005)