Craft Skills Research Articles

Turkmen women’s traditional craft skills in post-disaster recovery: the case of the 2019 Northeast floods in Iran

PurposeThis study investigates why Turkmen women’s traditional handicraft skills have declined and explains how the local, traditional craft skills accelerated the post-flood recovery of Turkmen women in the aftermath of the 2019 Northeast floods in Iran.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopts a case study approach, employing reflective thematic analysis.FindingsPost-disaster recovery spurred a shift from traditional to modern lifestyles through new housing designs, enhanced female literacy and greater economic participation. However, this transition devalued traditional crafts due to heightened household chores, material scarcity and reduced market demand. Nonetheless, women with craft skills played a pivotal role in household recovery by repairing damaged items and crafting dowries for their daughters, illustrating their contribution to social and economic resilience.Social implicationsThese research findings shed light on the importance of traditional craft skills in enabling the female household member, in particular, to recover from disasters and contribute to the recovery of their households and communities.Originality/valueThe originality of this study lies in its focus on the specific context of Turkmen women’s traditional craft skills and their role in post-disaster recovery, particularly after the 2019 Northeast floods in Iran. While there is existing research on post-disaster recovery mechanisms, this study uniquely examines the under-researched impact of traditional craft skills on the recovery process, specifically for female household members.

Integration and Innovation of Traditional Skills and Modern Design in Art Education

With the rapid development of socio-economic conditions and the acceleration of globalization, the art education community is continually exploring methods to integrate traditional techniques with modern design education, thereby fostering innovation. This study selects representative traditional Chinese craft techniques, such as paper-cutting, blue calico printing, and ceramic painting, and examines how these skills are applied and their innovative significance in modern design teaching. The research employed in-depth interviews and case study methods, involving teachers and students from 20 renowned art institutions, and conducting detailed case studies on 5 exemplary student design works. By comparing traditional teaching models with modern design teaching models that incorporate traditional skills, this study explores the new applications and possibilities of traditional crafts in modern design education. The results indicate that the introduction of traditional crafts not only enhances the cultural significance and aesthetic value of design works but also inspires students' innovation and practical abilities. In teaching practices, the combination of traditional crafts and modern design technologies, through creative transformation and adaptation, can effectively enrich the content of art education and provide students with new means of expression and ways of thinking. This study calls for art educators to focus on the protection and inheritance of traditional craft skills and to organically combine their wisdom with modern design education to achieve cultural innovation and the modernization of education.

Neural plasticity in early potters: Shape analysis and TMS-EEG co-registration trace the rise of a new motor skill.

In this study, we explored the biocultural mechanisms underlying ancient craft behaviours. Archaeological methods were integrated with neuroscience techniques to explore the impact on neuroplasticity resulting from the introduction of early pottery techniques. The advent of ceramic marked a profound change in the economy and socio-cultural dynamics of past societies. It may have also played a central role in developing new craft skills that influenced the neural plasticity of the potters. Coiling, one of the most widespread neolithic techniques, requires precise hand movements and the ability to regulate finger pressure to shape the clay without deformation. In a pilot study involving intensive training in neolithic pottery, we used TMS-EEG co-registration to monitor a group of participants and we examined the shape of the artefacts they made before and after training. Our findings suggest changes in the functional properties of the primary motor cortex (M1) responsible for the control and execution of actions. We also observed an improvement in symmetry and consistency of the artefacts and a significant reduction in errors. This multidisciplinary approach sheds light on the mechanisms of material culture's variation in the archaeological field and provides promising insights into the co-evolution of technology and human skill.

Encouraging craft skills and female entrepreneurship through creativity: A case study of a social enterprise in India

Encouraging craft skills and female entrepreneurship through creativity: A case study of a social enterprise in India

The Affective Micropolitics of Craftivism: Organizing social change through the minor gesture

While craft foregrounds the material, embodied and affective nature of making practices, it also has capacities as a political resource which recognizes the value of everyday materiality in creating the conditions for change to emerge. In this article, we explore these possibilities by focusing on craftivism, a diffuse social movement that uses traditional craft skills of hand making to address a wide range of complex societal and organizational causes and challenges. We draw on an empirical study of craftivists to explore how they use craft as a political resource to organize change by generating affective relations between people and material objects in physical and online spaces. We argue that minor gestures of craft, developed through practices of reclaiming historically defined, domestic and feminine handcrafts, constitute a distinctive repertoire of contention and enable craftivism as a journey of change in the minor key. This helps us to think about change differently, where making is a form of change itself that is at least as significant as the destination of the resulting change. We thus draw attention to activism that subverts traditionally oppositional approaches to organizing resistance and surfaces complex coalitions directed towards individual, community and societal transformation. Such craft practices subversively bring together the politics of the domestic sphere with broader grand challenges, thereby subtly altering how we perceive traditional means of political engagement and different forms of activism. Our contribution offers deeper understanding of the affective potential of minor gestures of craft from the lived experience of those who use craft as a form of organizing change through creative, material and affective practice. Affective micropolitical acts such as the habits, rhythms and routines of craft are generative in the sense that they attune us to social change in the minor key.

Meaningful Work Through Craft: How workers in low-skilled roles engage in anomalous craft to gain autonomy and receive recognition

Meaningful work is work that offers a degree of autonomy and the opportunity to receive recognition from others. It is traditionally associated with highly skilled jobs whereas low-skilled jobs are often equated with meaningless work. Previous research assumes that workers in low-skilled roles have little access to the autonomy or recognition characteristic of highly skilled labour. Rather it suggests that in their efforts to make their working lives more tolerable, such workers are limited to either discursively reframing the significance of their roles or engaging in acts of resistance against the organization. In this paper, based on an eight-month ethnographic study of a mould-producing company in France, we identify three processes through which workers in low-skilled roles find temporal opportunities to engage in anomalous craft where latent or underused craft skills and attitudes are utilized to enable them to work more autonomously and earn recognition from peers and supervisors, rendering their work more meaningful. Our work offers insights into how workers can use craft to activate or re-establish meaning in contexts where work has been stripped of significance.

Industri Kreatif Berbasis Kearifan Lokal: Model Pemberdayaan Majelis Taklim Ponpes Baiturrahman, Madura

The Ibadurrahman Majelis Taklim at Ponpes Baiturrahman, located in Jaddih Village, Socah District, Bangkalan-Madura, holds significant potential for developing creative industries based on local wisdom. However, the lack of structured mapping and empowerment strategies poses a major challenge to achieving economic independence and prosperity for the taklim congregation. This study employs the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, a method of empowerment focusing on identifying, developing, and utilizing the assets or potential of the community. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with village officials, religious leaders (Ponpes Baiturrahman) and members of the taklim majelis to inventory the available assets. The mentoring results received positive feedback and demonstrated an improvement in the ability to map and identify both individual and community assets that could be effectively utilized to manage local potentials, such as craft skills, cultural wisdom and community networks. The empowerment strategies designed included skills training, creative product development and digital-based marketing. In conclusion, the ABCD approach successfully provides a strong foundation for developing creative industries based on local wisdom in this community, although further mentoring with a broader scope is recommended for more optimal outcomes

Finding common threads: The future of costume pedagogy and practice

As professional practice and tertiary education face unprecedented challenges, this Special Issue explores the evolving landscape of costume pedagogy. Climate change, social inequity and technological advancements are just some of the issues which are challenging costume educators to create and implement innovative teaching methodologies and approaches. Their focus includes the decolonization of curricula, emphasizing non-western perspectives and re-emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration and co-creation in educational settings. Additionally, this Special Issue examines efforts to de-gender costume education, reflecting cultural shifts towards more fluid understandings of gendered identity. The integration of digital technologies in costume design is also illuminated as an emerging learning outcome, recognizing the balance between traditional craft skills, embodied awareness and technological proficiency in engaging students. Contributions come from educators across the globe, working in Australia, Canada, Finland, Italy, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United States and the United Kingdom, who offer diverse insights and practices aimed at invigorating costume pedagogy. This global reach is emphasized by the inclusion of practices inspired by the costume-related activities at Prague Quadrennial (PQ2023), demonstrating the enduring impact of such international exchanges. This Special Issue presents a snapshot of current trends and future directions in costume education, ultimately advocating for a dynamic, inclusive and responsive educational environment.

Peningkatan Kemampuan Difabel Melalui Pelatihan Bending Bambu Di SLB Paedagogia Maospati Kabupaten Magetan

The abilities of the disabled develop in a good direction if training and coaching are carried out routinely. Training provides motor and logic skills, coaching provides the right direction. The disabled find it difficult to take the initiative, tend to be withdrawn and unfocused. Collaboration between the disabled and non-disabled creates synergy and produces work that can be proud of. The pride of the disabled is seen when they are able to produce work. Self-confidence, enthusiasm for life and optimism will increase. They feel useful to others. SLB Paedagogia Maospati Magetan is an inclusive school for the disabled. All disabled students can receive basic education, skills and therapy for recovery. This SLB has become a partner of Darma Cendika Catholic University - Surabaya as a place for Community Service (PkM). Empowerment is directed at training students in wood craft skills with bending techniques through the lamination process. In 2021, they were trained to make simple tables and chairs with plywood material. In 2022, the making of backrest chairs continued. In 2024, training was increased for greater difficulties. Through the method of Practice and direct supervision, following the SOP set in the production process and directed to understand the work of the industry. The use of materials using bamboo. Through collaboration, disabled and non-disabled work is able to produce work. This training shows: 1) disabled people will try to follow and adjust the applied SOP; 2) The success of the work provides enthusiasm, hope and confidence.

Izloksnes morfoloģisko īpatnību daudzveidība mūsdienu tekstos: „Rucavas sievu stāsti” (2023)

The book “Rucavas sievu stāsti” (Rucava Women’s Stories, 2023) reflects the intangible cultural heritage of the Rucava cultural space, revealing various kinds of traditional knowledge and craft skills. It is written in the modern Rucava subdialect, so there are parallel variations in the use of words and inflexions. It means that both literary forms and dialectal features are used. The article aims to clarify the morphological characteristics of nouns, pronouns and numerals in the book “Rucavas sievu stāsti”. The object of the study is 50 stories, which were evaluated for the morphological means used to depict the contemporary Rucava subdialect. The main research methods used in the study are analytical and comparative methods. Various examples of inflective word classes were extracted from the linguistic material. The comparative method was used to identify the intensity of the use of literary language forms and dialectal features, to collect the data on which morphological language means dominate in the texts, and to find out the proportions of language means. The study concludes that the proportions of morphological forms of the subdialect in relation to the literary language are different. There are cases when certain archaic forms are predominant over the literary language variant, e.g. ē-stems of the nouns, the indeclinable pronouns mana, sava. However, there are cases where an ancient morphological or inflectional form is not used in the text when reproducing the language of a modern subdialect. The different proportions of archaic forms in relation to literary language, their density, and predominance or loss in contemporary spoken and written language may be related to the particular author’s sense of subdialect, description of an event, and representation of an experience. The use of dialectal features in the book creates a lively and joyful atmosphere, revealing the knowledge and skills of Rucava women in various crafts.

Nearly half of Colombian artisan craft plant species lack national and international vulnerability assessments

ABSTRACT Humanity has maintained cultural connections with our environments from time immemorial. Plants and artisan crafts are a prime example, as craft purpose, skill, design and species used can vary greatly between communities and the loss of a critical plant species can result in a loss of access to cultural craft practices. To mitigate global biodiversity loss, conservationists are faced with the challenge of assessing species vulnerability to extinction and prioritizing species for conservation funding using information instruments, like the IUCN red list. This process does not necessarily consider a species’ cultural importance. In this paper, we address this gap for plant species used in artisan crafts in Colombia. We aim to answer the following: (1) how represented are endemic species in artisan crafts; (2) how threatened are artisan craft species according to (a) international and (b) national vulnerability status? We used the number of species-associated common names as a proxy for cultural awareness. We found that continentally regional species were far more represented in Colombian artisan crafts than national endemics. We also found a strong positive relationship between the number of common names and national vulnerability assessment status, but no statistically significant relationship for international vulnerability status. Based on our results, well-known plants used in Colombian artisan crafts are more likely to be assessed nationally than internationally. While the IUCN is thorough in their recommendations, more can be done to prioritize the inclusion of conservation assessments for species based on their contributions to cultural diversity.

Cross-Cultural Histories and Traditions Between the Cut and Engraved Glass Scenes of the UK and Japan

Recent research conducted by Heritage Crafts, a prominent national advocacy organisation dedicated to preserving traditional heritage crafts in the UK, has unveiled a concerning trend: several traditional craft skills teeter on the edge of extinction within the UK. This revelation stems from the Heritage Crafts Red List of Endangered Crafts, an initiative which identifies crafts facing the risk of endangerment. In their recent 2023 publication, Heritage Crafts highlighted the distressing decline of cut and engraved glass craftsmanship in the UK, categorising and placing both brilliant cutting (as endangered) and copper wheel engraving (as critically endangered) on the Red List of Endangered Crafts in the UK. This means that these crafts pose the risk of not being actively practised. In December 2023, the alarming downturn of these crafts in the UK was explored and discussed during a conference held at Edinburgh College of Art (ECA), entitled Edo-Kiriko: The Art of Japanese Cut Crystal. This event explored the cross-cultural connection and exchange that exists between Scotland and Japan, drawing upon a rich historical exchange that saw the transmission of Western-style glassmaking from Scotland to Japan in the 1870s–1880s. It also details the more recent exchange that has been in place between Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) and the Horiguchi Kiriko glass studio in Tokyo, Japan. This modern-day exchange has seen the recent transmission of glass-cutting skills through a masterclass led by Toru Horiguchi at ECA. This paper presents this conference, introducing the invited speakers and creating a commentary on the proceedings and the plenary discussions that unfolded. Focus and discussion will be given to the factors that have contributed to the current decline of cut and engraved glassmaking in the UK and the possible measures that could be taken to support and safeguard this field. The final part of this paper will offer a reflection on the conference proceedings and will conclude by making an urgent call for the future of cut and engraved glass craftsmanship in the UK. It is hoped this paper will draw attention to the urgent need for support from education and funding bodies, to safeguard and protect these vital heritage crafts, which boast a rich history in the UK.

An Examination Of Traditional Craft As A Component Of Tsangaya System Of Education In North Central Zone Nigeria

An examination of traditional craft as component of tsangaya system of education in north central zone Nigeria. A survey research approach and a Multi-Stage Cluster Sampling procedure. Data was gathered from 297 respondents drawn from tsangaya schools from 3 selected states in north-central Nigeria, kwara, Nasarawa and Niger State. The collection of data was using a questionnaire that was structured and well-validated. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the data analysis. The outcome revealed the overall mean score of 3.93 for the ten skills needed as agreed by the respondents. The overall mean score of 3.71 of the five attitudinal items as agreed. The overall mean score of 4.05 of the four awareness statements listed as agreed. The cluster mean score of 3.46 shows serious challenges towards Traditional Craft Skills. The findings show that awareness has the highest Beta value (B=0.729, P<0.05). The findings supported the formulated hypothesis, therefore, we reject H0. Followed by attitude with (B=0.400, P<0.05) the findings also supported the hypothesis, therefore, we reject H0. The challenges had the lowest Beta value of (B=0.022, P<0.05) and also have a significant impact on the traditional craft skills. The findings equally supported the formulated hypothesis, therefore, we reject H0. In conclusion, attitude and awareness had a serious impact on entrepreneurship skills acquisition program. Hence, Adj.R2 of 98.6% as shown on Table 5 is an indication of another 1.4% unexplained factors that are not considered in this study. Therefore, its recommended that Governments at all levels (Federal, State and Local governments) should come up with more effective means of supporting the traditional craft in Tsangaya School’s system in north central Nigeria

Intangible cultural heritage in practice Between appreciation and appropriation

This text deals with selected issues related to the use of cultural heritage undertaken from the position of stakeholders. Theoretical considerations are based on selected examples of craft skills used in safeguarding intangible heritage. The lively activity of dissemination and promotion of these skills is largely linked to the implementation of the 2003 UNESCO Convention on the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and the consequent creation of the National List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. In particular, the text analyses aspects of the nomination process of heritage bearers and the outcomes of such a role. More broadly, the article highlights issues related to the boundary between cultural heritage appreciation and appropriation, as well as heritage management and community empowerment.

Критерии оценки качества жизни в проектах поддержки подростков и молодых взрослых с ментальными особенностями и тяжелыми множественными нарушениями развития

<p>Criteria for assessing the quality of life of adolescents and young adults with mental disabilities and severe multiple developmental disabilities should take into account their needs, limitations and individual characteristics. This article describes the experience of evaluating the effectiveness of support programs through the analysis of changes in indicators of spatial and temporal orientation, social, communicative, craft skills and emotional-volitional sphere, based on systematic supervision of specialists and keeping a development diary. It is shown that such an approach to assessing the well-being of wards allows you to identify support targets in time and thereby contribute to the development of their independence skills and successful socialization.</p>

Efficacy of a mountain craft training in improving resilience and psychological well-being and reducing fatigue in childhood cancer survivors.

TPS167 Background: This pilot study aims to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of mountain craft training in improving resilience and quality of life and reducing fatigue and depressive symptoms in childhood cancer survivors (CCS). Methods: A randomised controlled trial. A sample of 40 CCS, aged 10 to 16, will be invited to participate in this study. Resilience scale, Center for epidemiologic studies depression scale; Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory; and Fatigue Scale – Child will be used to assess resilience, depressive symptoms, health-related quality of life and levels of fatigue, respectively. Participants in the intervention group will receive two 30-45 mins lectures on resilience, physical exercise, knowledge and skills in mountain craft; and a 4-day hiking programme on weekends over a 3-month period. Participants in the control group will participate in 4 day of leisure activities on weekends over a 3-month period. The main outcome measure: The participants’ level of resilience at 6-month post intervention The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 26.0) will be used to analyse the quantitative data. Pearson chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables, and the independent sample t-test for continuous variables. The Generalised Estimating Equation (GEE) will be employed to determine the changes between the intervention and placebo control groups, the within-group (time) effects, and the interaction effects.

‘Let’s brew a new Brussels’: imaginaries of the circular economy

Abstract In this paper, I mobilise the notion of imaginaries to analyse a case of the circular economy (CE) in the region of Brussels, Belgium, where bread surplus from mass retail is upcycled to produce a local and more sustainable beer. I examine circular imaginaries and how they are translated into urban practices and materialised in the city. My analysis shows that the craft and post-industrial narratives of new circular products may find a positive echo at the urban level when re-development strategies to attract new productive activities mobilise similar narratives of creativity, innovation and craft skills. It concludes that CE risks becoming a rallying signifier helping to support a discourse coalition on the productive and circular city.

Conflict Resolution through Indigenous Knowledge Systems

Abstract Indigenous knowledge is the local knowledge that is unique to a given culture or society. It is the basis for local decision-making in agriculture, medicine, food education, environmental management, craft skills, linguistics and conflict management. The study explored mengehacha, an indigenous system of conflict resolution among the Gumuz people in northwest Ethiopia, which aims to restore peace and harmony within the community when conflicts result from natural resource competition, exchange marriage, clan-based conflict and theft. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, non-participatory observation and document analysis, and analysed qualitatively. The indigenous mechanisms of conflict resolution were found to be relatively participatory and supplementary to the state justice system. It is recommended that indigenous systems of conflict management be supported and given equal treatment with the modern court system and that exchange marriage be curbed, since it is becoming a trigger for conflict eruption among the Gumuz.

AUTHENTICITY IN CRAFTS IN THE AGE OF DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND CYBER BUSINESS MODULES

The research paper attempts to delineate the significant factors which may nurture or suffocate digital innovation among small business entrepreneurs operating in the handicraft industry. For the young Indian handicrafts entrepreneur, digital technology is like oxygen to survive the threats of economic downturn like the Covid-19 crisis. The research findings contribute towards the increasing body of digital information on newer and innovative approaches to entrepreneurship. This work proposes a standard against which new policies and tactics for reviving the economy and expanding the handmade goods industry through technological and entrepreneurial ingenuity can be measured.Objective: The researcher aims to identify the obstacles, like lack of available high-quality digital infrastructures, the impact of economic downturn like the spread of Covid-19 pandemic, market disruptions over digital platforms, and the lack of knowledge and IT skills required to run an online entrepreneurship business. Methodology: Owners of online handicraft enterprises and small businesses which have less or insignificant online presence - all of whom held unique craft skills, were interviewed using a qualitative technique, and the researcher then utilized inductive (qualitative) content analysis to identify the common threads from the recorded transcripts. The research findings showed that the pre and post Covid-19 pandemics’ factors motivated the movement of handicraft businesses to digital platforms, encouraging entrepreneurship and digital innovation.

Fostering Economic Sustainability within Rural Families in South Africa through Visual Arts and Crafts

This paper investigated interventions that can restore the importance of visual arts and crafts in fostering economic sustainability within rural families, in particular, young rural community members. Prior to colonization, visual arts and crafts played a significant role in providing economic subsistence for many households in South Africa. During the inception of formal education, that practice was replaced by scholastic education, prioritizing theoretical knowledge over practical experiential learning, leading to a gradual decline in the subsistence lifestyle. Marxism Theory (1848), which underpins this study, posits that within a capitalist economic framework, workers are exploited whilst company owners amass additional money. Craft manufacturing has the potential to augment self-generated income, making a valuable contribution to economic growth whilst avoiding any form of exploitation. The qualitative convenient sample comprised fifteen school dropouts and graduates from both South Africans and foreign nationals and was studied through face-to-face and telephonically informal conversations. The findings revealed that insufficient application of traditional visual arts and crafts skills in elementary education; inadequate delivery of government services to promote visual arts and crafts entrepreneurship; and the divergent perspectives in defining the concept of “civilization and freedom” impede efforts to achieve economic sustainability. The study recommended that community members should not only rely on government support services but instead utilize government grants to acquire knowledge, develop skills, and adopt subsistence lifestyles that rely on natural resources for sustainable economic growth. The government should also support the establishment of training centres where skilled individuals can impart knowledge and skills to the younger generation and monitor the efficacy of non-governmental organizations. This study not only enhances the well-being of people and communities but also offers valuable material for academic research in several fields. It strengthens comprehension of cultural, economic, and social phenomena within the framework of sustainable development. Keywords: Visual Arts and Crafts, Economic Development, Skills Development, Rural Families