Exploring Traditional Arts and Crafts Around the World

Part of our cultural identities, arts and crafts are woven into the fabric of society. Although some traditions have unraveled over time, others remain as vital as ever. Moreover, with the search for authentic experiences high on the modern travel agenda, these skills – from tribal tattooing to communal quilting – are drawing crowds like never before. Here are some of the world’s most compelling traditional arts and crafts, plus suggestions on how to learn more about them.

Kalinga Tattooing in the Philippines

Amid the rice terraces of the Philippines’ Kalinga province, the tribal community of Buscalan holds a secret: this rural barangay is home to Whang-od – a matriarch, businesswoman, and national celebrity, standing firm at 102 years old. Her trade? Using the same citrus thorns, charcoal ink, and bamboo hammer as generations of her ancestors, Whang-od has spent eight decades decorating the skin of her people, plus a steady stream of visitors eager to be inked by a living legend.

In Filipino culture, the tattoo, or batok, is more than ornamental. Symbolizing everything from fertility to dexterity in battle, each is earned and respected. As the last ever tribal tattooist to hold the title of mambabatok, meaning ‘master’, Whang-od’s skills are revered. Not content with fame, she is passing on her skills to a new generation of young women, who financially support the village by serving tattoo-seeking travelers.

Faroese Knitting in the Faroe Islands

Slow, rhythmic, and passed down through generations, Faroese knitting mirrors the local way of life on these unforgiving islands in the North Atlantic. The thick fabric made from wool produced here is not only a source of protection from the elements but also a celebration of the undulating landscape and native flora, which inform distinctive Faroese patterns. Consequently, with young designers using documented patterns to create fresh, modern designs, the craft is thriving.

But what truly weaves Faroese knitting into the islands’ identity is the way it brings people together. There is no truer representation of Faroese culture than the lively, vibrant atmosphere of a knitting group, as locals, young and old, gather to swap patterns, spin yarns, and foster close-knit communities.

Origami in Japan

Whether creating a basic paper fan or an elegant napkin crane, chances are that you have tried your hand at the delicate Japanese art of origami. Although the origins of the craft are unclear, it is widely accepted that the technique developed after Buddhist monks brought paper to Japan in the 6th century.

Having endured for thousands of years in one of the world’s most technologically advanced nations, origami has found a new lease of life thanks to Japan’s wellness scene. The combination of repetitive creasing and constructing has seen it gain popularity as a timeless, mindful method of relaxation, a counterbalance to the breakneck pace of modern life.

Zellige Tiling in Morocco

Instagram feeds are alive with examples of these intricate tiles, which adorn everything from decadent hammams to Moorish architecture. Islam forbade the depiction of human or animal figures in decorative art, which spurred the development of these distinctive geometric patterns.

Using a technique dating back to the 10th century, zellige tilers are master craftsmen whose training begins in childhood and passes down through families. Moreover, it’s a thriving period for many family-run Moroccan businesses that create these tiles, as high-end hotels, spas, and resorts around the world seek out their skills.

Kite Making and Flying in India

The sight of kites dueling above Delhi on Independence Day is a symbol of freedom that celebrates India’s liberation from British rule. Kite making, kite flying, and kite fighting are popular throughout India, but the capital has become this tradition’s spiritual home, hosting the annual Kite Flying Festival in January.

Professional kite flyers and kite-flying families adopt time-honored techniques while utilizing modern materials. Consequently, the kites of today represent more than just freedom; they often showcase politically and socially motivated slogans that reflect the state of modern India.

Arabic Calligraphy in the UAE

The Arabic language is a powerful force, uniting Muslim communities through its use in Islamic prayers and literature. The art of Arabic calligraphy represents unity, beauty, and power – and its sinuous lettering decorates countless religious buildings throughout Muslim countries.

As a growing hub of the arts, the UAE’s cities have become hotspots for contemporary calligraphers to meet, collaborate, and showcase their work. Today, events like the biennial Dubai International Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition and Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival bring the ancient skill into the modern world, featuring avant-garde exhibits, interactive sessions, and storytelling events. Moreover, young Arabic calligraphers are driving the tradition forward, with artists’ collectives and exhibition spaces springing up across the Emirates.

Watchmaking in Switzerland

The Swiss watchmaker is a cultural cliché, but the country’s relationship with timepieces hasn’t always been straightforward. After dominating the industry since the late 1700s, Switzerland’s horological monopoly suffered due to cheaper American and Japanese offerings throughout the 20th century. However, this changed with the introduction of Swatch in 1983, combining refined Swiss design with affordable prices, thus revitalizing the nation’s watchmaking status.

Watchmaking remains one of the country’s most prosperous industries and draws significant tourist interest. Launched in 2001, the 200km Watchmaking Route Heritage Trail invites visitors to explore significant points of ‘Watch Valley’, running along the Jura Arc from Geneva towards Basel. Therefore, it appears that the traditions of Swiss watchmaking will continue to thrive.

Quilting in the USA

American quilting boasts an illustrious history, dating back to the arrival of European settlers in the 1600s. Involving intricate hand-stitching through layers of fabrics, quilting requires its practitioners to work with precision, patience, and love, as the quilts produced are often gifted to newlyweds, newborns, and loved ones.

Quilting groups, quilting bees, and quilting exhibitions are prevalent in all parts of the USA, stitching together the communities they thrive in, as quilters join forces to complete projects. Furthermore, with the rise of wellness and mindfulness, more young Americans are turning to the slower rhythm of the needle for peace of mind, creating a fresh generation of quilting artisans and pattern creators.