FOLK ART
"Folk Art or material culture is another way to examine the resiliency of a culture as an expression of the culture/human spirit through time. It is the element of exploration that itself becomes the mechanism of survival or subsistence."
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Members of the Kanwasumi Basket Cooperative, Venezuela
Folk art is a term used to describe functional and decorative objects made by ethnic and cultural groups around the world. Its origin is based on the use of local resources to make objects needed for daily life, such as cooking vessels, clothing, and baskets. It is also ceremonial items that reflect cultural traditions or spiritual beliefs. These objects are highly valued and made by skilled artisans.
With the advent of global travel, folk or popular art is being created for sale. Today, there has been a resurgence of interest in artisan work, one that reflects an appreciation for the unique skills and artistry of indigenous peoples from around the world, including nomadic groups, ethnic minorities, and refugees.
While this trend might bring economic benefits to artisans, all too often it has a negative effect, one that is based on exploitation of artisans’ poverty or naiveté. As a result, cooperatives have become the main force for change as people develop innovative products and programs as a means of cultural and economic survival.
