Origin of Handicraft
Handicraft is a historical continuity of traditional processes and techniques that have been around for millennia. Depending on the artisan’s inspiration, each new piece and creation can reimagine, reassign or recreate historical legacies of art.
Handicraft can be seen as a concept of popular art worldwide and representative of a country’s local culture. Handicraft encompasses a wide variety of work from useful to merely decorative objects, it is handmade or through the use of simple tools.
Some of the main materials used in traditional handicraft work include:
- Textiles
- Clay
- Plant fibers such as straw and grass
Read more about the story of Golden Grass here.
- Paint
- Seeds
- Wood
Read more about wood marquetry here.
(In case you’re accustomed to these different words!) Handicrafts can also be known as artisanry work, handmade, crafts and handicraftsmanship.
What’s the Difference?
What really distinguishes handicrafts from other goods or art?
Products that use machines or that are mass produced are not handicraft goods.
Handicrafts are often associated with sustainability, cultural empowerment and fair trade – especially the kinds of handicrafts we at TheFOB love!
Due to this strong cultural association, handicrafts often represent religious or spiritual beliefs. They can even have political implications such as a population’s right to their own expressions of beauty and creation. Art can signify resistance from oppression, imperialism and colonialism.
For example, all those who make Marajoara art believe their individual work has a higher cosmic meaning, as it contributes to the artistic and cultural legacy of their ancestors.
Discover more about Marajoara and Marajó here.
Brazilian handicrafts are a perfect example of the power of multiple identities.
- Cultural diversity and mixture,
- space for self determination and expression,
- combined with pride and ancestral honour in Brazil, have created
= a wide range of exotic and truly Brazilian handicraft art.
TheFOB supports authentic culture and all types of Brazilians! Art is LIFE!
Get some quality creations, both useful or merely decorative, at TheFOB.
