The filete porteño from Buenos Aires was declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity within the framework of the tenth session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (10.COM), held in Namibia on 1 December 2015.
It is a traditional painting technique combining brilliant colours with specific lettering styles. It can be seen on urban buses, trucks and store signs, and increasingly in home decoration.
Its images relate to the city’s cultural heritage, using social and religious elements which act as a form of collective memory. The designs include representations of admired saints and political figures, as well as music and sports idols, sometimes accompanied by sayings and proverbs.
This traditional technique begins with a drawing, which is then transferred to a support. Finally synthetic paint, coloured varnish and special longhaired brushes are used to complete the work. Filete artisans willingly transmit their skills to all those interested.
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