Handicrafts World News

Cuna Indians aim to strike tourist balance
BBC News

There is no doubting the appeal of this region, where on the 50 or so islands where the Cuna live, in densely-inhabited villages of bamboo huts near the quays, age-old customs are still an integral part of their life.

A girl’s passage to puberty, for example, is still marked by a ceremony in which men play reed flutes and women dance. They wear gold nose rings, bands of beads round their arms and legs, sarongs, necklaces and blouses covered in what are now considered Panama’s most famous traditional handicraft - “molas” or Cuna textiles.

But while the Cuna - who fought off the Spanish conquistadores 500 years ago and who have managed to preserve a great degree of political autonomy - have so far resisted proposals to build resorts in the archipelago, there are signs that the influx of tourists is having an effect on the Cuna way of life.

Turbulent history (more…)

Dileep trading corporation
Economic Times, India

NEW DELHI: Dileep Trading Corporation was set up by Dileep Baid in 1989. At present, with six companies under its umbrella, it is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of handicraft items.

As Mr Baid recalls, the company’s humble beginnings, it is clear that the organisation was based on the foundation of creative ideas and hard work. For the first two years, the company was a vendor to the Coast Guard in the Indian Navy.
On one of his trips to Germany as a vendor, Mr Baid realised that the market for handicrafts was huge. (more…)

Brunei Delegation Joins Asean Rattan Symposium In Myanmar
BruDirect

Bandar Seri Begawan - A two-member delegation yesterday left for Yangon, Myanmar to attend the Symposium on Rattan Culture in Asean until June 1, according to a press release.

Themed “Enhancing Development for Crafts Production”, the event will see research papers being presented by representatives from Asean member countries relating to the promotion of high quality rattan products in the region. (more…)

Entrepreneurs Promote Handicraft Products At NAM-CoB Exhibition
Bernama

PUTRAJAYA, May 26 (Bernama) — Local handicraft entrepreneurs, in efforts to draw foreign investors, are taking the opportunity to promote their products at the Non-Aligned Movement Coordinating Bureau (NAM-CoB) Ministerial Meeting which starts here tomorrow.

The Melaka branch of the Malaysian Handicraft Corporation is among the organisations that have set up booths at the exhibition held in conjunction with the four-day meeting at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) here. (more…)

Make Felda handicraft fit for Harrods, urges Najib
Make Felda handicraft fit for Harrods, urges Najib
The Star Online

KUALA LUMPUR: Handicraft made by Felda settlers can one day make inroad into Harrods in London if they are unique, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He threw a personal challenge to Felda handicraft entrepreneurs to make their products as unique and special as possible so that they could be exported.

“I want Felda handicraft entrepreneurs and businessmen to take the lead in the industry.

“You should make your products commercially attractive and create a good brand name to boost your sales (more…)

Marshall Islanders’ Handicraft Display Awes Washingtonians
Yokwe, CA

Some Washington state residents are finding out that there’s more to island life than sitting under a coconut palm tree. Presentations like the one in Auburn on May 20 give locals the opportunity to learn more about the culture of the Marshall Islands, a small Pacific nation located 5,000 miles from the US West Coast. A group of Marshallese, who reside in the area, displayed their islands’ handicraft and jewelry at a talent/culture show sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Auburn.

The woven craft involves a laborious process using dried coconut fronds, pandanus leaves, and various types of shells. “The people were so amazed how the crafts were made,” said Richard Domenden, a< !more-->

Supporting the event were Helton and Jawe Jorbon, Liana DeClaro, Carlina Sawej Domenden, Lucy Moolok Edejer, Domenden and his wife, Rumi, many of whom brought the handicraft items from the Marshalls.

“We gave them some samples of fans, hair ornaments, tie clip ornaments, and earrings. They were ecstatic,” said Domenden.

The comments of “wow, beautiful, amazing, one of a kind, where can we buy them” led to an invitation to bring more Marshall Islands handicraft for display, and some for sale, at a larger event next month. They were also asked to share Marshallese dances.

“They love to learn more about the Marshall Islands so this is an excellent way to show our culture,” he said.

About a hundred families from the Marshall Islands live in the area.The city of Auburn is next to Federal Way, where more Marshallese have settled. To the south, a larger contingent of Marshallese live in the greater Seattle area.

A good number of young Marshallese attend Auburn High School and several who attend Highline Community College. Islanders have found work at the largest door manufacturing company in Washington, a boat building company, and about 10 work for Walmart.

Many of the Auburn Marshallese will be traveling to Everett this Memorial Day weekend, to join in a Marshall Islands’ Constitutional Day celebration sponsored by the Seattle Marshallese Community Club.

–Aenet Rowa, Yokwe Online, May 28, 2006

Make Felda handicraft fit for Harrods, urges Najib
Malaysia Star, Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Handicraft made by Felda settlers can one day make inroad into Harrods in London if they are unique, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

He threw a personal challenge to Felda handicraft entrepreneurs to make their products as unique and special as possible so that they could be exported.

“I want Felda handicraft entrepreneurs and businessmen to take the lead in the industry.

“You should make your products commercially attractive and create a good brand name to boost your sales (more…)