Intangible Heritage

The Silti-Butajera Geopark region is rich in intangible cultural heritage that complements its geological and tangible cultural assets:

• Music: Traditional music plays a significant role in the social and cultural lives of the local Silti and Butajera communities. It includes folk songs and dances performed during festivals, religious ceremonies, weddings, and community gatherings, often featuring traditional instruments such as the krar (lyre) and masenqo (one-stringed fiddle).

• Art: Local artisanal crafts include weaving, pottery, and wood carving that reflect the cultural identity and heritage of the Silti and Gurage peoples. These crafts serve both functional and decorative purposes and are a vital part of local cultural expression.

• Folklore and Oral Traditions: Rich storytelling traditions preserve the history, beliefs, and social values of the communities. Folklore often involves tales connected to the volcanic landscape, myths about natural formations, and ancestral legends that convey moral lessons and community identity.

• These intangible cultural elements contribute to the social fabric and continuity of the communities, playing an essential role in community cohesion, identity, and the promotion of cultural tourism within the geopark.

Integration and promotion of intangible heritage alongside geological and tangible cultural heritage are priorities for sustainable development and local engagement in the Silti-Butajera Geopark project. ​