What is handicraft and what is its importance?
Handicrafts are products that are made with the delicacy and skill of human hands, using simple tools and natural raw materials, and they are a manifestation of human culture, taste and creativity.
Handicrafts are products that all or most of their manufacturing steps are done by hand using simple tools. This art-industry is rooted in human history and culture and has long been considered as one of the ways to meet basic needs and express human creativity and elegance.
Craft features
Handiwork : As the name suggests, the most basic feature of handicrafts is that they are made by human hands. In this process, a person's skill, taste and creativity play an essential role, and advanced machines and equipment are not used.
Use of natural raw materials : Raw materials used in handicrafts are often obtained from natural sources such as wood, metal, stone, pottery, leather, natural fibers, etc.
Diversity and elegance : Handicrafts are very diverse in terms of type, design and color. Elegance and accuracy in manufacturing are one of the most obvious features of these products that distinguish them from other industrial goods.
Cultural value : the handicrafts of each region are a reflection of the culture, customs and history of that region. Therefore, in addition to the practical aspect, these products have high cultural and spiritual value.
Types of handicrafts
Handicrafts can be divided into different categories based on the type of raw material, geographical area and application. Among the most important of these groups, the following can be mentioned:
Metal handicrafts: including all kinds of dishes, statues, ornaments, etc., which are made of metals such as copper, gold, silver, brass, etc.
Clay handicrafts: including all kinds of furniture, dishes, decorative objects, sculptures, etc., which are made of carved or inlaid wood.
Textile handicrafts: including carpets, carpets, rugs, local clothes, etc., which are woven from natural fibers such as wool, silk, etc.
Leather handicrafts: including all kinds of bags, shoes, gloves, belts, etc., which are made of natural or synthetic leather.
The role and importance of crafts
In addition to the artistic and cultural aspects, handicrafts also play an important role in the economy and job creation. This art-industry, especially in rural and nomadic areas, is considered as one of the main sources of people's income and livelihood. Other benefits of handicrafts include the following:
Supporting national culture and art: Handicrafts display the identity and cultural authenticity of a nation and help preserve it.
Creation of job opportunities: This art-industry, especially in small and family workshops, creates job opportunities for many people.
Development of tourism: Handicrafts are one of the most important tourist attractions and can contribute to the prosperity of the tourism industry in the country.
Earning foreign currency for the country: export of handicrafts is considered a source of foreign exchange for the country and helps to strengthen the national economy.
Preservation and revival of handicrafts
Handicrafts are exposed to many threats and challenges such as industrialization, import of similar foreign goods, lack of raw materials, etc. In order to preserve and revive this valuable art-industry, various measures are necessary, including supporting artists and craftsmen, promoting and teaching handicrafts, creating suitable markets for the supply of products, etc.
