Safeguarding craft materials

Traditional craft materials serve as the threads that connect past, present and future generations to the land. Many Indigenous crafters rely on their natural surroundings- the forests, wetlands and savannas - for the materials needed to create their craft for art and utility.

Crafters use materials such as clay, cotton and leather, and leaves and fibres harvested from various local plants. As traditional lifestyles change due to increasing access to non-Indigenous cultures and younger generations moving toward more modern convenience, there are concerns related to the transmission and safeguarding of knowledge related to traditional craft materials.

Transmitting and safeguarding this knowledge is becoming more pressing, not only for the craft that the materials are used for, but also for the connection back to nature. The management and conservation of traditional craft materials contributes to the sustainable development of Indigenous communities and the conservation of their environment.

This directory was developed with crafters working on our Indigenous crafting in Guyana project funded by the National Geographic Society. It is aimed at helping to safeguard the knowledge on key plant species used in traditional craft and documenting traditional knowledge for these species, including Indigenous names and traditional beliefs.

Enjoy!