Ancient Craft Research Articles

Beyond linear narratives: Complex copper ore exploitation strategies in Early Bronze Age China revealed by geochemical characterization of smelting remains

Despite decades of efforts to reconstruct the bronze production and metal distribution systems of the Shang period in Bronze Age China, there remains limited understanding of the ore choices and smelting practices of the Shang people. This study addresses this research gap by conducting a detailed investigation of Shang period copper ores and smelting remains uncovered at the Tongling site in the Middle Yangtze River valley. The results of lead isotope, copper isotope, trace element, and rare earth element (REE) pattern help to classify the slags from this site into two groups, associated with smelting sulphidic (Group A) and oxidic (Group B) copper ores, respectively. This finding not only serves as the first physical evidence of the use of sulphidic copper ores in Early Bronze Age China but also provides pivotal details of the copper resource exploitation strategies of the Shang people. It challenges the traditional narrative that the Shang people moved to this area solely for the high-grade supergene deposits. The parallel use of both supergene and hypogene ores at the same site complicates the notion of a linear, technological evolution from simpler to more advanced copper sources. Despite the presence of hypogene ores, the study reveals that the Shang people maintained labour-intensive smelting practices, including crushing slag to recover trapped metallic prills, to meet the demands of large-scale bronze casting. This nuanced approach to copper resource exploitation reflects a complex, context-dependent strategy rather than a technological revolution. By highlighting these intricate metallurgical choices, this research contributes to a broader rethinking of early technological development, underscoring the diversity and adaptability of ancient craft industries and their role in shaping Shang society.

Unravelling the mechanics of knitted fabrics through hierarchical geometric representation

Knitting interloops one-dimensional yarns into three-dimensional fabrics that exhibit behaviour beyond their constitutive materials. How extensibility and anisotropy emerge from the hierarchical organization of yarns into knitted fabrics has long been unresolved. We seek to unravel the mechanical roles of tensile mechanics, assembly and dynamics arising from the yarn level on fabric nonlinearity by developing a yarn-based dynamical model. This physically validated model captures the mechanical response of knitted fabrics, analogous to flexible metamaterials and biological fibre networks due to geometric nonlinearity within such hierarchical systems. Fabric anisotropy originates from observed yarn–yarn rearrangements during alignment dynamics and is topology-dependent. This yarn-based model also provides a design space of knitted fabrics to embed functionalities by varying geometric configuration and material property in instructed procedures compatible to machine manufacturing. Our hierarchical approach to build up a knitted fabric computationally modernizes an ancient craft and represents a first step towards mechanical programmability of knitted fabrics in wide engineering applications.

Getting the method of reviving traditional crafts from Malaysian modern pewter craftwork

It is a common sense that every country pays attention to protecting and developing own traditional crafts, as one component of traditional cultures which can benefit to protect national memory, unite people, promote cultural confidence, and economic progress. How to develop and revive one traditional craft in contemporary markets is not easy thing for every country due to be difficult for traditional crafts adapting to the new social conditions, and not many successful examples referenced effectively. The traditional pewter craft as one ancient craft has a long history in China, Britain and other traditional making-pewter countries, but in modern time, there is a revival and success in Malaysia. The Malaysian modern pewter craftwork gets many important domestic and international awards; the Malaysian pewter companies acquire many famous traditional making-pewter companies in the world. The pewter craftwork has become one famous business card in Malaysian cultures and tourism industry. This article takes the case study of research method and tries to analyze the reason of the success Malaysian modern pewter craftwork achieved in modern markets, and reveals and concludes the effective methods and experiences of developing healthily a traditional craft in contemporary markets. It is a culture-based education and referential meaning to designers for getting a set of practical and effective methods of designing and reviving traditional crafts in contemporary conditions, this way can make traditional craftwork attracting and satisfying more customers in the world markets.

KOTA DORIA WEAVERS PLEADING FOR NEW DESIGNS!

Apart from agriculture, India's handloom industry has existed for ages and is the country's largest cottage industry in terms of employment opportunities. Despite having a glorious past, this ancient craft is now known for its dire situation and for slowly fading into obscurity as the industry struggles to survive due to numerous issues. The main causes of this include a large number of substituted products, insufficient training for skill upgrades, an unorganized structure, low wages, the reluctance of the younger generation to choose weaving as a means of subsistence, a small domestic market, the lack of creative designs and color combinations, fierce competition from power looms, the fast-fashion industry, poor marketing, shifting consumer preferences, and the availability of alternative employment opportunities. However, the handloom industry can still be revitalized as evidenced by the tenacity that handloom weavers continue to display in terms of survival and capacity for innovation. In order to contribute to the sustainability of traditional craft heritage and ensure continuous transmission of craft skills and knowledge from generation to generation, the current investigation aims to explore, identify, and address issues faced by traditional craftsmanship. This study offers Kota Doria Cluster insights at Kaithoon, Kota in order to help us better understand the cluster's current situation and offers recommendations for future development.

IMPACT OF A HEALTHY WORKING ENVIRONMENT ON CARPET WEAVING INDUSTRY GROWTH

The art of carpet weaving is an area of culture which development traces back to a century-old tradition in the countries of the East. This industry has survived to present day and plays a significant role for the economies of Central Asia and Iran, making up a large share of their export supplies. The scientists from different countries study the history of carpet weaving goods in the context of their cultural and artistic peculiarities: ornaments, signs, symbols, etc. However, this industry is primary considered as a source of creating objects of decorative and applied art. Only a few researchers address the current economic problems of the industry, in particular, the issues of labour organization and working conditions.
 Technology and organization of handmade carpet making and working conditions of craftsmen in Afghanistan have not changed much for many centuries: one carpet is created within 2-4 months by backbreaking work of a group of 3-5 Afghan craftswomen. The industry faces significant competition from cheap artificial carpets from Pakistan. Experts note a drop in the export potential of carpet weaving in Afghanistan, and some even talk about the problem of fading of the ancient craft traditions in the country. These circumstances determined the relevance of the topic.
 The article describes the findings of the fieldwork-based research devoted to investigating the impact of a healthy working environment on the carpet weaving industry growth. The aim of this study is to identify the factors affecting a healthy working environment and establish the correlation between them on the example of carpet weaving industry.
 The findings are the results of the survey conducted in all carpet weaving companies in the Akchakh district of Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan. This rural region has an ancient tradition of carpet weaving.

INDIAN CHINTZ-CRAFT IDENTIFICATION AS AN EXQUISITE HAND-PAINTED TRADITIONAL TEXTILE

The present social and environmental contexts are very importantly governed by the interplay of crafts, fashion, and sustainability. Their efficient combination contributes to employment generation and the creation of new economic avenues for the country. This is the key focus issue that research studies should attempt to achieve. There is a need to understand “craft”, with a perspective that exerts strength, glory, social and cultural connections. In present times, “Kalamkari” is an extremely popular Indian traditional textile craft in which, patterns are drawn with bamboo sticks called “kalam” on cotton fabric. This is a derivative of patterning the fabric with resist and mordant painting and then natural dyeing to pattern them. In relation to this painting tradition, the word “Chintz,” is a popular terminology from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries in the world of textiles. The term according to the researcher is referred to a textile, as well as a technique, involving the mordant and resist painting with natural dyes on cotton fabrics only. This textile, with its awestruck designs, revolutionized global trade and made India popular globally. During that period, the Chintz were exported to various countries like Japan, Thailand, Africa, and most importantly to European countries. The Indian Chintz export to European countries reached immense popularity, revolutionizing the “Chintz Craze” with drastically increased demand. During the industrial revolution in Europe, these beautiful hand-crafted textiles created a threat to the European textile Industry. Hence the chintz export from India was banned, which led to the downfall in their demand and the gradual extinction of these textiles along with the meticulously perfected techniques involved in making them. In 1958, Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay tried to revive this technique (mordant and resist painting with a bamboo pen) and termed it “Kalamkari”. This led to the evolution of two different forms related to this ancient craft based on the place it was revived, namely Kalamkari from Sri-Kalahasti and Machilipatnam. This paper is an attempt to retrieve the rich history of the Indian Chintz, with its main characteristic features, technique, and find differences between the present styles with the ancient traditional forms of mordant and resist painting technique with natural dyes. The researcher has made an earnest effort in establishing and retrieving the lost identity of this textile. It was also observed that there is a difference between the traditional style and revived forms (Sri-kalahasti and Machilipatnam) styles with respect to the materials, motifs, colors, and workmanship, as observed from painted pieces that were studied.

Nishida Kitaro’s Expressive Activity in Katana Sword Making as a Way to Achieve Pure Experience

Western craft and craftmanship have long been taken as complementary or even supplementary – in contrast with high art and artistic explorations. This pejorative approach is quite common from western industrial perspective. An artisan’s work is then taken less seriously than an artist’s oeuvre d’art. Contrary to this, Asian countries have long recognised the mastery of these master craftsmen and gave no different treatment to artists and artisans. This paper examines the concept of expressive activity from Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro in his essay “Expressive Activity” written in 1925. In this Nishida proposes that the fulfilment of a state of mind that he called pure experience can only be achieved through an action that is independent from external urges. The author then pursued this line of thought by taking Nishida’s idea to see how this kind of acting – as Nishida addresses it – is present in the ancient craft of katana (Japanese Sword) making performed by veteran swordsmiths. By analysing Nishida’s texts including An Inquiry into the Good and Ontology of Production, the author explains that the old wisdom of “giving life to the steel” can be justified by taking Nishida’s pure experience as the telos of an artisan’s expressive activity.

A study on the adoption, innovation and current status of the ancient craft of Durrie weaving

A study on the adoption, innovation and current status of the ancient craft of Durrie weaving

Nanoscale goldbeating: Solid-state transformation of 0D and 1D gold nanoparticles to anisotropic 2D morphologies.

Goldbeating is the ancient craft of thinning bulk gold (Au) into gossamer leaves. Pioneered by ancient Egyptian craftsmen, modern mechanized iterations of this technique can fabricate sheets as thin as ∼100 nm. We take inspiration from this millennia-old craft and adapt it to the nanoscale regime, using colloidally synthesized 0D/1D Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) as highly ductile and malleable nanoscopic Au ingots and subjecting them to solid-state, uniaxial compression. The applied stress induces anisotropic morphological transformation of AuNPs into 2D leaf form and elucidates insights into metal nanocrystal deformation at the extreme length scales. The induced 2D morphology is found to be dependent on the precursor 0D/1D NP morphology, size (0D nanosphere diameter and 1D nanorod diameter and length), and their on-substrate arrangement (e.g., interparticle separation and packing order) prior to compression. Overall, this versatile and generalizable solid-state compression technique enables new pathways to synthesize and investigate the anisotropic morphological transformation of arbitrary NPs and their resultant emergent phenomena.

A multidisciplinary investigation of historical charcoal production in the 18–19th centuries (Czech Republic)

Starting in the Middle Ages, charcoal production was essential for industrial development, in the manufacture of metals, glass and gunpowder. However, the ancient craft of charcoal burning and other commercial forest activities remain little understood. In this study, we used data from aerial laser scanning (ALS) to identify relic charcoal kilns in deciduous and coniferous forests at three different sites in the Drahany Highlands of the Czech Republic. We applied anatomical, archaeological, dendrochronological and radiocarbon methods to describe and analyse six selected kilns (two from each site) in detail. The ALS method revealed 245 potential relic charcoal kilns, of which 116 were confirmed during a field survey. Five of the six selected kilns dated from the 18th and 19th centuries, which corresponds to the period of greatest charcoal consumption by the region's metallurgical industries. While oak and birch charcoal dominated at one of the three sites under study, fir, oak and beech prevailed at another, while only fir and beech were identified at the third. These results from the anatomical identification of charcoal samples reflect historical as well as potential forest species composition but do not match the current composition. The results of our multidisciplinary research coincide with the peak and decline of charcoal production in the region. Thanks to the clear identification and dating of relic charcoal kilns in this study, an appropriate degree of protection from forest management practices that contribute to their gradual disappearance can be proposed.

Bulrush Mats and its Impact on Living Standards in Thiruvanamalai Districts

This article addresses bulrush mats, traditional mats manufactured from bulrush stalks. The research shows that bulrush mat production is vital to the livelihoods and cultural practises of the people that make it and that attempts are being made to maintain its traditional skills and knowledge. Promoting and preserving bulrush mats in Tamil Nadu requires marketing. TNHDCL and Co-optex promote marketing. NGOs and private companies are improving mat quality and designing new, consumer-friendly designs. South India, especially Tamil Nadu, uses bulrush mats (tule mats) for floor coverings, seats, and wall hangings. Women in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, and Nagapattinam produce bulrush mats. During the monsoon season, bulrush leaves are harvested, dried, and the fibres extracted to weave mats. Village fairs, exhibitions, festivals, and Amazon and Flipkart are the key marketing channels. The craft's cultural and economic value, artisans' struggles, and efforts to preserve and develop it have been studied. They are used for flooring, basketry, insulation, erosion prevention, and outdoor seating. For high-traffic areas, bulrush mats are resilient and easy to clean. They can also be used for basketry and other woven crafts and as decorative accents. They can be used as sleeping layers or clothes linings since they insulate. They stabilise banks and prevent erosion. Bulrush mats offer pros and cons, including availability, durability, dampness, maintenance, bugs, and allergens. When choosing where and how to utilise bulrush mats, these variables are crucial. Tamil Nadu's rural artisans make tule mats, or bulrush mats. Bulrush stalks are gathered, steeped, and weaved into mats using traditional methods. Recently, bulrush mat production has been revived to conserve ancient crafts and benefit rural communities. Irular, Kattunayakan, and Paniya tribes in Thiruvanamalai make bulrush mats for flooring, sitting, ornamentation, and insulation.

A technológiai változások hatása a diplomáciai és konzuli jogra

Digital diplomacy? E-diplomacy? Cyber diplomacy? Same concepts, right? For a person who is not familiar with international law, these terms may sound deceptively similar, but by the time the article reaches the end, the dear Reader will be aware of the meaning of these terms. Technological changes have not spared the second most ancient craft, diplomacy. In my thesis, I examine how digital changes appear on the diplomatic stage. that is why I am dividing the article into two larger parts. In the first chapter, I examine the effects of technology on diplomacy. In doing so, I will touch on the three concepts already mentioned above, and I will also try to touch on the individual diplomatic developments taking into account the case law. In the second part, I present the latest technological challenges affecting consular relations, focusing on the presentation of the Consular Service and the digitalization of consular relations. When presenting the above, I mainly use descriptive and comparative methods.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Ethnic Business Households Involved in Tourism in Ninh Thuan, Vietnam

Since the COVID-19 outbreak at the end of 2019, there have been many studies on its impact on the tourism industry. However, research on the effects of this pandemic on ethnic tourism business households is minimal. This study explores how COVID-19 has affected ethnic minority tourism businesses and how they have responded to the crisis. Two ancient craft villages of the Cham people, which are popular destinations in Ninh Thuan province, were selected as case studies. Data were collected from late 2021 to early 2022 through fieldwork and in-depth interviews with 20 subjects who ran Cham-owned business households. A mini-survey of 52 Cham-owned tourism business households was also conducted as a qualitative method to supplement the statistical data. The findings of this study are: the Cham tourism business households have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but not significantly; and that the Cham business households have utilized their own advantages (such as a small business scale, utilization of available advantages, reasonable gender division of labor in the family, changing business strategies, and taking advantage of social media) to weather the crisis. This article contributes to the literature on the impact of disasters on tourism by focusing on how ethnic minorities use the business household model to overcome a crisis and by presenting evidence that ethnic tourism combined with business households is a sustainable model.

Textile Weaving (Aṣọ-Òkè) at Ologbin-Adewole Northern Yorubaland, Nigeria

This research investigates traditional textile weaving among the people of Ologbin-Adewole in Ilorin, Nigeria. This traditional craft is one of the ancient crafts that gave Ologbin-Adewole recognition among other communities in Ilorin. Over the years, this indigenous thriving industry has dwindled both in production and skilled workers. The decline has been partly associated with the influence of westernization through the importation of European goods. This paper presents processes of textile production in Ologbin-Adewole as well as examines changes in the craft over time based on oral history and ethnographic records. This is aimed at documenting this important African art and preventing it from becoming a part of Africa’s past. The paper concludes by bringing to limelight the significance of this indigenous craft of textile weaving among the people of Ologbin-Adewole.

Dhokra craft: socio-economic conditions of artisans, economics and marketing challenges in Kondagaon district of Chhattisgarh state, India

Indian handicrafts have a long and illustrious history. However, the state of the artisans in India has been deplorable. Among all the bell metal crafts, one of the most ancient crafts dating back to the Harrapan civilisation. This study investigates the socio-economic conditions and marketing challenges faced by artisans. Using a sample rate of 30 per cent, data was collected through a field survey involving 100 respondents from a total of 320 artisans. In-depth interviews and focussed group discussions were conducted to gain insights. Based on existing literature, a clear concept of costs and returns is constructed and explored further. Results indicate that artisans are engaged nearly 90 days a year and earn around US $1300. Although there is a strong demand for these products in international and domestic markets, the artisans cannot cope with the production due to higher costs of raw materials and ancient production technologies. Marketing challenges in the form of intermediaries and connectivity to the markets act as significant hurdles. The study proposed a BELL model to integrate the current government programmes and cause a convergence in existing institutions to overcome the issues faced by the artisans.

The “manna” extracted from the ash trees still cultivated in Sicily from mythical food to pharmaceutical and nutraceutical resource

“Manna” is the product obtained from the solidification of the elaborate sap that comes out of the incisions made during the summer season on the stem and on the main branches of some species of the genus Fraxinus (Oleaceae). The cultivation of manna ash trees dates back to ancient times in Sicily and elsewhere ash trees – known as sacred trees, a symbol of abundance and therefore auspicious – was increasingly widespread until the middle of the last century. Subsequently, however, the crop underwent a progressive decline, remaining relegated to restricted areas of Sicily, in particular in the Madonie district (Palermo, Italy). In this brief review, the essential characteristics of the manna and the ash trees from which it is extracted are summarized. The aspects of the current productivity of manna in the Sicilian territory and the implications of a potential recovery and increase of an ancient craft, ash tree cultivation, are also reported in a perspective of sustainable development and green economy for the Mediterranean area and beyond. Finally, the authors remember what has been done to ensure the conservation not only of the active cultivation of manna ash but also of all the relative agro-biodiversity. The conservation of the living germplasm of the ancient cultivars recovered in the Madonie area (Palermo, Sicily) represents one of the most qualifying results.

Hand Block Printing: The Ancient Craft of South Asia

Hand Block Printing: The Ancient Craft of South Asia

Pattu Weaving: A Sustainable Fabric Manufacturing Technique

Sustainability is the need of the hour and the world is now looking for the environment-friendly options while choosing the materials, techniques, processes and disposal systems. In textiles, handloom weaving is considered as the sustainable way of fabric manufacturing. Many ancient crafts clusters are still existing and re-inventing themselves to create sustainable products. The craft of ‘Pattu weaving’ is one of them which is known as a traditional weaving technique. Pattu weaving is a traditional craft using extra weft weaving technique which is widely practised by the weavers in India. The study has reviewed the materials, tools, techniques and processes used in this craft, along with the challenges and opportunities for the upliftment of the craft. A comparative study of traditional and contemporary materials, colour palette, motifs and product range of the craft are also covered in this paper. Major part of the information and images have been collected during craft research documentation activity while visiting the craft cluster at Bhojasar and Karwa villages in Rajasthan where Pattu craft has been practiced by the weavers since ages. Along with this, secondary research has also been included in this document to strengthen the study.

TRADITIONAL SILK HEADSCARVES "TASTAR" OF THE KUMYKS (TO THE PROBLEM OF THE REVIVAL OF THE TRADITIONAL CRAFT)

The silk headscarves tastars were widespread in the North Caucasus in the late 19th century. In Dagestan, they were produced in the Kumyk villages and were part of the traditional costume of the Kumyk women. The aim of the article is to consider the modern state of traditional crafts among the peoples of Dagestan on the example of the tastar headscarves, to demonstrate the relevance of revival of some types of national artistic crafts. The exclusion of applied arts by industrial products, globalization and the elimination of ethnic and cultural differences caused by it, actualized the study of pieces of material culture in the scientific and art community in order to preserve them. In Dagestan, the preservation of ancient folk crafts is implemented through various educational programs, the creation of centers of traditional culture, schools of folk arts. The article is based on the study, conducted by the methods of interview and participant observation in such centers. The author visited several functioning centers of teaching tastar weaving in Dagestan (Nizhnee Kazanishe, Aksay), talked with craftswomen. The article provides versions of origin of this unique technique of tastar weaving, traces the history of this craft, describes active centers, gives names of the keepers of the old tradition. The conducted research reveals that the modern state of tastar weaving is mainly supported by enthusiasts in villages – old centers of the studied craft.

Mixed Methodologies: Collaborative Approaches to Indus Tiger Seals

Seals and other inscribed materials of the Indus Civilization (2600–1900 BCE) are a valuable source of data for studying this ancient cultural system, from writing, craft production, and economics, to art and ideology. In the absence of deciphered texts, detailed comparative studies of these materials allow us to explore their roles and significance in the organizational dynamics of one of the world’s earliest urban societies. This article contributes to the study of inscribed objects by applying complementary methodologies from art history and archaeology to the examination of seals and related artifacts that depict the tiger motif. It explores the consistency and variability in these objects as a reflection of the unique carving styles and techniques employed to make them, the distinct identities that they embody, and the ideas embedded within them. Identified patterns provide insights into the production strategies, shared ideologies, and potential meanings of this uniquely South Asian icon and highlight larger issues of Indus sociopolitical organization and integration. This innovative approach for investigating inscribed materials allows for a deeper exploration of their role in and reflection of the unique cultural systems that defined the Indus during the third millennium BCE.