Desirability of Cultural Artifacts

What Makes Handcrafted Goods So Desirable?

Handcrafted goods have been around for a long time. Since human beings discovered the value of working with our hands, we've fashioned both functional and beautiful items from sheer ingenuity alone.

Through the centuries, we've placed a lot of value on the work of human hands. However, the onset of mass and machine production made us forget for a little while that there were items out there that were made with the best of the best. Conversely, those items that were handmade became items of luxury. Bags, clothing and sundry made by skilled artisans command a high price and are reserved only for the elite.

We forget that around the world workers continued to make lovely goods for their or their family's own use. These days, attention is being paid to handcrafted goods made by the once-unrecognized craftspeople of the world. These goods are becoming more and more well-known and their desirability in world markets is increasing.

Why is that?

Handcrafted goods are prized for many reasons. If you are considering purchasing a handcrafted item, here are some compelling reasons why they could be desirable to you.

For one thing, handcrafted goods are one of a kind. There will definitely be no other person who has exactly the same jewelry, the same basket, the same shawl as you do. Even items that are made to look the same will have variations that no machine can reproduce.

Second, you are almost always guaranteed of quality. Artisans and crafters take great pride in their work. Each piece they make is an integrated work of both skill and love. Hence, they are characterized by attention to detail and painstaking work. Artisans and crafters also make sure to choose only the best and most appropriate materials for their handiwork.

A third reason why handcrafted goods are so desirable is that buying handmade supports and sustains indigenous arts. Modernization has taken our attention away from the rich culture that local tribes can offer. When we buy handmade goods, we help make sure that local arts and crafts are kept alive for generations to come. Otherwise, these indigenous arts might die out and we may lose their legacy forever.

This is what it means when we say that these handmade arts are sustainable – that, and the fact that craft workers can choose to use the organic and natural materials that indigenous people have been using for ages.

More than this, handcrafted items are desirable because you know that each item actually supports an artisan and his or her family and community.

This a way for you to contribute to making the world a better place.

Finally, buying handcrafted goods is like a lifestyle statement you make. People feel good about themselves when they make a conscious choice to buy items that are of high quality, are made with attention to detail and craftsmanship, and which help women and children fight their way out of poverty. For me, that's the most desirable quality of all.

References:

1.) Sonya S., "The 5 Best Reasons to Buy Handmade Products." Article online http://ezinearticles.com/?The-5-Best-Reasons-to-Buy-Handmade-Products&id=1328269

2.) Madelyn Chung, Sasha-Ann Simons and Lauren Solski. "What's So Great about Hand-Made?" Article online http://thetyee.ca/News/2010/03/05/HandMade/