Generational change in ceramic handicraft activity: Proposals for sustainable local and cultural development

Abstract

The contribution refers to the generational change in the pottery handicraft activity of a rural community, the effect of this on the local and cultural development of the community, under a qualitative approach with application of the ethnographic method of interpretative character, applying techniques such as: life history, structured interview and observation. The information collected was processed in the software Atlas. Ti. The results show that young people have little knowledge about the process of making clay handicrafts, which is why they show little interest, since the knowledge has not been transmitted to them from an early age. In addition, the absence of schools or workshops that teach handicrafts aggravates the current situation. Traditions create a deep connection with roots, family and cultural values, which are necessary to persevere their identity and cultural heritage. The main activity to generate income is the production of handicrafts; however, the intermediaries that buy them do so at low cost, directly affecting the community. The problem lies in the lack of marketing channels, updated means of transportation and the absence of national and international web platforms to make the products visible. It is concluded that the deterioration in the generational replacement in the artisanal community over the years is attributed to the fact that young people do not perceive artisanal activity as a "business"; they choose to migrate to other cities, looking for new job offers and the possibility of obtaining professional training in other areas.