At the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, held this year in New Delhi, India, UNESCO approved the inscription of “The Cobza – traditional knowledge, craftsmanship, and musical practices” on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The joint nomination submitted by Romania and the Republic of Moldova marks an important cultural milestone for both countries, strengthening a longstanding partnership dedicated to safeguarding shared traditions.

Through this recognition, the cobza becomes the fifth heritage element inscribed jointly by Romania and the Republic of Moldova, joining the Mărțișor, Men’s Group Colindat, the traditional techniques of creating the decorative scoarță, and the art of the blouse with altiță. For Romania individually, this inscription represents its 11th element accepted on UNESCO’s Representative List, reaffirming the country’s commitment to preserving the diversity and richness of its living heritage.

The cobza holds a special place in the musical history of the region. As documented in the national inventory file , it is one of the oldest accompanying instruments attested in the Romanian cultural space, with roots reaching back to the 18th century. Its distinctive short neck, rounded body crafted from maple or ash, and the resonant sound produced by strings traditionally struck with a goose feather give the cobza a musical identity unlike any other instrument in Europe. Historically present in Moldova, Muntenia, and Oltenia, and played by both professional and village musicians, the cobza evolved into several regional types that reflect local ingenuity, craftsmanship, and musical aesthetics.

Today’s UNESCO recognition not only acknowledges the craft of building the instrument, but also the living musical knowledge associated with it: the rhythmic patterns, regional repertoires, and styles of beating the cobza, as well as the role it continues to play in rural communities and traditional ensembles. The inscription strengthens ongoing efforts in Romania and the Republic of Moldova to revitalize and transmit this heritage to younger generations, ensuring that the cobza remains a vibrant part of contemporary cultural life.

The Romanian National Commission for UNESCO invites all those interested to explore the full range of Romania’s heritage elements in the Commission’s dedicated publications.