Teaching Traditional Crafts in Cyprus Villages
Learn a craft even if you don't need to and if you get hungry, practice it." This old Cypriot folk saying reflects the pragmatic wisdom of village life where craftsmen held backup skills to supplement income during agricultural hardship. Not so long ago people living at Cyprus villages were either farmers or shepherds and at the same time practiced a craft. People had to be creative and multi-talented, able to supplement their income if they faced difficulties, and a craft always came in handy. They engaged in basket weaving, icon painting for rich churches and landlords, silversmithing, wood carving, ceramic and pottery making, mosaic making, embroidery, wine and Commandaria making, and many more. The Cyprus Handicraft Service System In 1975 the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism undertook the responsibility for the preservation of Cyprus Folk Art, its development and encouragement into modern cottage industry and handicrafts. Specialised members of staff made studies and started projects initially funded by the High Commission for Refugees with the main target of offering employment to refugees and other affected persons and in parallel, the long-term development of cottage industry and handicrafts. For the implementation of these goals the Cyprus Handicraft Service created the Handicraft Centre in Nicosia in 1979 with experimental workshops such as Embroidery, Weaving, Woodcarving, Pottery, Metalwork, Basketry and General Handicrafts,…
Read more
