Artesanato Tradicional

 

Artesanato tradicional is an integral part of the culture of each region and is often the most important determinant of the identity of a community. It is a way of life that embodies a set of practices, beliefs and ethos.

The traditional artesanato of a region, which is the main source of its uniqueness and strength in terms of identity, is based on the fusion of various cultural elements. These are expressed in artesanato - the process of making products and objects by hand – and the crafts that result from this.

Typical artesanato of each region is a combination of techniques and materials that reflect the characteristics of the locality, its culture and environment. This combination can range from traditional handicrafts to the production of new goods based on a local material.

In Brazil, for instance, many artisan Dicas de casa groups have their own traditions and use different materials in their work. They are able to adapt their traditional methods to the needs of contemporary society, thus developing crafts that combine the best of local traditions with modern manufacturing techniques.

One of the most important aspects of traditional artesanato is the use of local raw materials. This is particularly true in rural areas, where a high proportion of artisan producers use natural resources that are largely sourced from the region’s forests and mountains. The production of such materials is an essential aspect of the artisan’s livelihood, and in some cases it can be a means to support local economic development through sales.

It is therefore important to understand the origin of these materials as well as how they were sourced and used in order to ensure that traditional artesanato practices are kept alive. Hence, a number of studies have been undertaken in this regard.

Among the most important of these studies is a study by the Brazilian State Agency for Culture (ABC) on traditional handicrafts made in the region of Apiai. This study found that etnias indigenas from this region use natural materials such as wood and bamboo to create a wide variety of objects.

Other artisan groups produce items that are characterized by their simplicity and functionality, such as straw baskets. These baskets are an ideal form of transport for small children, as they are lightweight and easy to carry around.

They can also be used for other purposes such as storage or even storing food. These items can be woven or stitched, and are usually adorned with beads and other decorative elements.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, these baskets are an important resource for the villagers of Apiai and serve as a way to make money from selling them.

Another example of artisan practice in this region is the creation of shawls and other handicrafts using traditional net-making techniques. A group that participates in the Smoked Fish Project demonstrated how these traditional shawl-making techniques could be adapted to manufacture more complex objects such as shawls and other handmade products with a view to enhancing the economic status of their local community.