ERTH (HERITAGE) - A Contemporary Narrative of the Past Preserving Traditional Handmade Crafts: Plaster Carving

Abstract

In recent years, traditional handicrafts saw a sharp decline in consumer purchases. Some of the reasons behind this shift are globalized markets and technological advancement. Traditional handicrafts and technological innovation may seem far from another, yet technological change is now certain in any field. That may lead many in the artisanal community to consider their retirement. However, the current wave of cultural revival in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is restoring the narratives of these crafts once again. This research was initiated through a set of interviews with cultural enthusiasts and an exploration of the plaster-carving craft with specialized artisan. The goal was to explore the possibilities of traditional products that may be mass-produced, and to find a new balance between traditional techniques and modern technologies, one that honors traditional processes and maintains the artisan as the key figure in the production process.