UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding
Chinese Maritime Heritage & UNESCO
– Fu Ning Singapore
Our Commitment to UNESCO
At Fu Ning Global Pte Ltd, we are committed to preserving and promoting intangible cultural heritage.
Recognized in 2010 on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, the watertight-bulkhead technology of Chinese junks from Fujian Province is our main goal.
This technology enables the construction of ocean-going vessels with watertight compartments. As part of their culture, communities hold ceremonies praying for peace and safety during construction and before launch. This technique and these skills are transmitted from master to apprentices.
However, since the wooden vessels started to be replaced by steel ships, the demand for Chinese junks has significantly declined, and rising material costs have made construction more expensive. This makes our effort to preserve and transmit this heritage even more important.
Originating in Fujian Province, South China, the watertight-bulkhead technology of Chinese junks enables the construction of ocean-going vessels with watertight compartments. This innovative design ensures that if one or two cabins are damaged during navigation, seawater remains contained, preventing the entire vessel from sinking.
The knowledge and techniques of watertight-bulkhead technology are passed down orally from master to apprentice. However, the demand for Chinese junks has declined significantly with the rise of steel-hulled ships. Today, only three masters possess complete expertise in this craft. Additionally, rising costs and shortages of raw materials have further threatened its continuity, forcing many craftsmen to seek alternative employment.
Watertight-bulkhead technology of Chinese junks
These junks are primarily constructed using camphor, pine, and fir timber, meticulously assembled with traditional carpentry tools. The construction process employs key techniques such as rabbet-jointing planks and caulking the seams with a mixture of ramie, lime, and tung oil.
A master craftsman oversees a team of skilled artisans, ensuring precision and coordination throughout the build. Local communities also play a role, holding solemn ceremonies to pray for peace and safety during construction and before the vessel’s launch.
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Challenges and Risks
Decline in Demand
Modern shipping has shifted towards steel ships, leading to a significant drop in demand for wooden junks.
Rising Material Costs
The cost of materials like pine wood has gone up, making construction more expensive.
Aging Practitioners
Many masters are getting older, and younger generations show less interest in taking up this craft.
Limited Practice Space
Traditional spaces for practicing these skills are shrinking, making it harder to pass them on to the next generation.
Safeguarding Activities
1.
Expanding the Number of Practitioners and Bearers
New bearers are regularly identified to recognize their contributions and boost their enthusiasm por passing on their skills. Governments offer annual subsidies to support regular practice and transmission of their knowledge.
2.
Promoting Inter-Generational Transmission
Training centers are being established, and watertight-bulkhead techniques are included in vocational school curriculums, and weekly training is offered for young students.
3.
Enhancing Visibility Through Public promotion
Exhibitions halls are built with support from local governments and businesses, and the technology is promoted through public demonstrations and exhibitions.
4.
Expanding Practice Space for Sustainable Development
Ship models are researched and developed, increasing the number of companies engaged in model ship building. At the same time, products have been exhibited at craft expos and listed as local specialties and gifts.
5.
Documentation
Data incluiding photos, videos, written materials, design manuscripts, and historical resources are collected and preserved. These are used for teaching and “Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) on campus” activities.
At Fu Ning Global Pte Ltd, we are deeply committed to overcoming these challenges and actively engaging in all these safeguarding activities. By doing so, we ensure that the rich heritage of China’s watertight-bulkhead technology continues to thrive, contributing to cultural exchange and maritime innovation