Useless Knowledge about Crafts

Craftsmanship: a kaleidoscope of tradition, stories and curiosities

Craftsmanship, often referred to as the backbone of a culture, offers far more than just the production of everyday objects or works of art. In fact, it holds a wealth of stories, traditions and surprising facts that are deeply embedded in the history and culture of each region. Some of these aspects of craftsmanship are so unique that they have the potential to amaze the viewer or listener.

Take Germany, for example. While the country is known for its precision and technical know-how, it is also home to one of the most fascinating craft traditions - the "Walz". Young craftsmen, fresh from their apprenticeships, set off on "Wanderschaft", sometimes traveling the country and beyond for years at a time. Dressed in characteristic clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat, they are a living example of how craftsmanship is still able to keep old customs alive today.

In Asia, there is an equally impressive tradition at the Ise-Jingū Shrine in Japan. Every twenty years, the main buildings of the shrine are rebuilt as part of the Shikinen Sengu ceremony, using the same techniques and tools that were used in the 7th century. A wonderful example of how craftsmanship acts as a keeper of history and culture.

But it is not only traditional customs that bear witness to the diversity of craftsmanship. Festivals and celebrations around the globe showcase a dazzling array of craft skills. The Diwali festival in India, where thousands of "diyas" or clay pots are made by artisans, or the impressive Matariki festival in New Zealand, where the Maori showcase their wood carvings and tattoos, are just a few examples of how craftsmanship and culture are intertwined.

But the curious also has a firm place in craftsmanship. Who would have thought that there is a camel wrestling festival in Turkey, where the focus is not only on the strength of the animals, but also on the handmade saddles, reins and other equipment? Or that in Mexico, on the Day of the Dead, artisans make colourful skulls out of sugar and chocolate that not only delight the palate but also symbolize the cycle of life and death?

These facts and stories show that craftsmanship is much more than just the creation of objects. It is a reflection of a country's culture, history and traditions. It preserves narratives, passes them on and celebrates the skills and abilities that are passed down from generation to generation. It is a kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, stories and emotions that constantly reminds us how rich and diverse the world of craftsmanship is.