MILLING & UNESCO’S LIST OF THE INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF HUMANITY

The purchase of Mill Made products helps to keep these rare crafts and traditions alive.

The craft of the miller is now on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which comprises cultural "practices and expressions [that] help demonstrate the diversity of this heritage and raise awareness about its importance."

UNESCO established its Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage with the aim of ensuring better protection of important intangible cultural heritages worldwide and the awareness of their significance. 

Mills, and therefore the miller’s craft, play a significant social and cultural role in Dutch society and have an iconic value, contributing to a sense of identity and continuity

according to UNESCO

The inscription states that:

The craft of the miller operating windmills and watermills involves the knowledge and skills necessary to operate a mill and maintain it in a good state of repair. With a declining number of people earning their livelihood from the craft, millers today also play a key role in transmitting the cultural history of the practice. …

Mills, and therefore the miller’s craft, play a significant social and cultural role in Dutch society and have an iconic value, contributing to a sense of identity and continuity. Various safeguarding activities are undertaken, including training, support and capacity building, educational activities in schools and traineeships. Traditionally, the miller’s craft was transmitted from master to apprentice, and now such training is undertaken through guilds. …

Banner image: De Vlasbloem Mill in the snow, Dordrecht circa 1900, H.J. Tollens photographer, postcard, Stichting Molendocumentatie Collection, 03940 d