(2) “Expressions of folklore” means any productions consisting of characteristic elements of
the traditional artistic heritage developed and maintained by a community or by individuals
reflecting the traditional artistic expectations of such a community, in particular:
- verbal expressions, such as folk tales, folk poetry and riddles;
- musical expressions, such as folk songs and instrumental music;
- expressions by actions, such as folk dances, plays and artistic forms of rituals;
- tangible expressions, such as:
(a) productions of folk art, in particular, drawings, paintings, carvings, sculptures, pottery,
terracotta, mosaic, woodwork, metalware, jewelry, basket weaving, needlework, textiles,
carpets, costumes;
(b) musical instruments;
(c) architectural forms.
Article 55: Principle of Protection
Under the present Part of this Decree, the expressions of folklore developed and maintained
in Niger shall be protected against unlawful exploitation and other prejudicial actions.
Chapter II – Utilizations Subject to Authorization
Article 56
Subject to the provisions of Article 58, the following utilizations of the expressions of folklore
shall be subject to authorization by the Copyright Office of Niger when they are made both
with gainful intent and outside their traditional or customary context:
(1) any publication, reproduction and any distribution of copies of expressions of folklore;
(2) any public recitation or performance, any transmission by wireless means or by wire, and
any other form of communication to the public, of expressions of folklore.
Article 57
(1) Applications for individual or blanket authorization of any utilization of expressions of
folklore subject to authorization under this part of the present Decree shall be made in writing
to the Copyright Office of Niger.
(2) Where the Copyright Office of Niger grants authorization, it shall fix the amount of and
collect fees. The fees collected shall be used for the purpose of promoting or safeguarding
Nigerien culture.
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