Meaning And Characteristics Of Craft

Categories: KnowledgeSkills

A skill, a technique, a process, a tradition, a body of knowledge, an involvement with work along various other technical, cultural and historic connections have been defined the word ‘craft.’ – Rishav Jain

Craft is a practice of making things which is done by a group of people, using local available material to fulfil their requirements. It’s a term that involves skill, knowledge, tradition, culture, beliefs, society and many other numerous aspects which are intangible to be conscripted. Craft is based on embodied and inherited knowledge which is acquired through experience and such experience is gained over many years.

Such knowledge is the practical know how, the knowledge of tools, techniques, materials and other intangible things. It is often an embodied knowledge system which is gained by a son from his father and continuous to be transferred on to generations. This knowledge is learned through practice and is absorbed by individuals with dedicated experience.

Characteristics of craft

Tells a story/way of expression

Craft is a way of expressing emotions and beliefs.

Get quality help now
KarrieWrites
KarrieWrites
checked Verified writer

Proficient in: Knowledge

star star star star 5 (339)

“ KarrieWrites did such a phenomenal job on this assignment! He completed it prior to its deadline and was thorough and informative. ”

avatar avatar avatar
+84 relevant experts are online
Hire writer

When a crafts person makes any object, it’s not just a product to sell, there is much more which is connected with these things for example the belief that the craftsperson has for his/her ability to deal with the material, the tradition in which he was raised, the culture that the craftsperson or his society follows as well as sometimes these products themselves tell the story about the region or surroundings. For example in temple of Maheshwar, the carving or motifs show the rituals that are followed by the society like marriage, Lord Krishna playing flute, wrestling etc.

Get to Know The Price Estimate For Your Paper
Topic
Number of pages
Email Invalid email

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

"You must agree to out terms of services and privacy policy"
Write my paper

You won’t be charged yet!

Mode of communication

Craft started with an urge of communication with others, with specific kind of motifs and ornamentation, it has a symbolic value and association attached to it. For example in bead jewellery of Jhabua specific colours and motifs are worn by females for specific occasions, same in kucchi embroidery textile particular design and patterns are dedicated to each group of people. Without telling one can identify the age group, marital status and a lot of other information about particular.

Material and skill

In any kind of craft the knowledge of material and skills are very important factor. There are different kinds of crafts such as clay craft, wood craft, metal craft, stone craft and many other types of Crafts are there, each craft needs specific knowledge of the material treatment. One should know about the material properties and should be able to deal with the material. And also as mentioned earlier that the local available material plays a very important role in any regional craft. For example in Rajasthan due to topology of the area and availability of different types of stone, craft like stone carving, marble inlaying are very famous.

Process

Craft it not just about the product, the process of making craft has as much value as a final product. Any craftsperson’s life revolves around the process of doing it. The craftsperson does not merely use the skill of hands in order to make objects, but it is an entire process of his involvement where he is not just physically present but is also involved mentally and spiritually. It is generally observed that the more passionate the craftsperson is about the work, there is direct reflection of it in the product. Therefore each stage in the process of making becomes crucial as it requires different skills and manipulation of materials, tools and the inherent techniques of constructing/making.

Life style

Doing craft is not limited to just doing work or making things it’s a way of living. It’s the manner of showcasing the lifestyle that a community or an individual follows.

I really need that sense of completing something, if not daily, then at least several times a week. I might not comb my hair sometimes, but without sewing I cannot spend a day. It’s my character to live in a useful and efficient manner, and craft is basically the only way to prove my worth at home... Besides, craft keeps on existing in a concrete form. It stays for touching, using or even decorating; it’s not the first thing one throws in the garbage. I’m aware of my own mortality; someday I will disappear from the face of the earth..., but with luck, my crafts will stay in this world even longer than I will.

Updated: Feb 02, 2024
Cite this page

Meaning And Characteristics Of Craft. (2024, Feb 05). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/meaning-and-characteristics-of-craft-essay

Live chat  with support 24/7

👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!

Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.

get help with your assignment