Meeting of Craftsmanship Experts: Defining Good Practices and Recognizing the Broader Role of Handicraft Practices
On December 4, 2024, the Department of Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology at the University of Ljubljana hosted a follow-up meeting of experts involved in handicraft-related projects (#Culturality, #Commheritour, #Alptextiles). The meeting brought together key players in the field of craftsmanship, including the Department, Center DUO Škofja Loka, Slovene Ethnographic Museum, University of Nova Gorica, and ZRC SAZU. The discussion focused on methodologies for researching good practices in craftsmanship and the broader societal role of handicraft practices.
Participants noted that the projects dealing with craftmanship often have different requirements for identifying good practices, and there is no universally established framework to define what constitutes a “good practice” in craftsmanship. However, one common criterion emerged: the selection of knowledge bearers—individuals recognized for their high level of expertise and mastery in the field.
On the other hand, the discussion underscored that the role of craftsmanship extends far beyond the preservation and transmission of knowledge or the promotion of mastery through certification and education. Craftsmanship often acts as a medium for fostering community cohesion, enhancing quality of life, and promoting overall well-being. Participants emphasized the need to recognize and evaluate this social dimension as an integral part of good practices in craftsmanship.
This meeting once again demonstrated the importance of coordination and the exchange of methodologies across projects. Shared goals and collaboration remain essential for increasing the impact of these initiatives regionally and internationally while promoting craftsmanship as a vital aspect of cultural heritage and contemporary community life.
The next meeting is planned for early next year and will delve further into criteria for identifying good practices and ethical considerations in researching craftsmanship communities.
