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Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding · 2025
Boreendo, Bhorindo
Thar, Sindh
An ancient clay wind instrument of the Thari community of Sindh — its melodies, and the knowledge and skills of making and playing it — inscribed by UNESCO in 2025 as heritage in urgent need of safeguarding.
The instrument
The boreendo is hollow and round, with sound holes, made of clay that is dried in the sun and fired in a kiln. It sounds when air is blown into it; tilting the mouthpiece changes the tone, and its size changes its voice. Some modern boreendos have extra holes for a wider range.
When it is played
It is heard at winter bonfires, weddings and festivals. Men play it and women decorate it with clay paint, and for the community it is a way of coming together and staying close to their traditions and their land.
Why it needs safeguarding
The skills were passed down within a few families; today village schools, talks, festivals and online media help teach them. But few practitioners remain, young people are less drawn to it, and funding is scarce — which is why UNESCO lists it as needing urgent safeguarding.