Page 49 - Mediterraneo e dintorni - nr 7

antico sapere, che a tutti gli effetti
si candida ad essere considerato
e riconosciuto dall’Unesco come
Patrimonio Immateriale dell’U-
manità. Anche se di riconosci-
menti di pregio e attestati di valo-
re Chiara Vigo ne ha collezionati
diversi: oltre alle visite, a cui lei
mai si sottrae arrivando ad acco-
gliere oltre cinquantamila visita-
tori all’anno nella stanza che fu il
laboratorio di sua nonna, in viale
Regina Margherita 168, a pochi
passi dalla Basilica di Sant’An-
tioco. Al Maestro Vigo nel giugno
del 2008 l’allora Capo dello Stato
Giorgio Napolitano ha conferito
l’onorificenza di Commendato-

Seta del mare

history - is lost in the mists of time. She environment is not that of an activist, constant commitment to environmental
grows up with her grandmother, also a even if she is tireless and incessant, protection, and in 2008 the honor of
master of byssus: she learns this art and because she follows the rituals of a vestal Commendatore della Repubblica. “A
much more from her. Her soul lives in and not political colors; her name is Master has the function of preserving
the sea, and it is from there that, between Master, but of disciples and students what it is, so that future generations
harvesting campaigns punctuated (especially Sardinians) she would like can walk in the footsteps of history,
by precise times and modalities, and to meet many more than those who still and everyone has the right to find it
rituals that are always repeated the attend her workshop today; her work is there,” Chiara Vigo affirms vigorously.
same from the “oath of the sea” (with not a job, because it is not paid, it is not And it is from this profound awareness
which one becomes a master), she hands guaranteed, it is not protected, there is no that she has the strength to continue
down orally to Sardinia and all of law protecting this ancient knowledge, all the battles because more and more
humanity this ancient knowledge. Her which in all respects is a candidate to be schools know and pass on to the young
commitment is not that of an artisan, considered and recognized by UNESCO Sardinians this inestimable heritage that
her name is not that of an artist, because as Intangible Heritage of Humanity. is also a transmission of ancient wisdom
her masterpieces are priceless, and can The President of the Republic, Giorgio important for the collective memory of
be exhibited, donated, admired, but not Napolitano, in 2006 awarded her the Sardinia and the entire Mediterranean
sold or bought; her work to protect the “Un bosco per Kyoto” award for her basin.

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