Folk Arts and Crafts

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Folk Arts and Crafts
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Folk Arts and Crafts (Intro)

• In this study, it we have a couple main
  questions
• folk vs. nonfolk
• craft vs. art
• How do we differentiate the two and hence, how do
  we categorize?

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Definitions (Flexible in Categorization)

• Folk Crafts-are products that are mainly
  utilitarian and traditional that have been the
  result of amateur labor. (Functional)
• Folk Art-is usually thought of as purely
  decorative or representation items that have been
  produced through traditional means. (Mainly
  non-functional)

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Definitions for Clarification

• Traditional Means-is the process which normally
  implies a non-institutionalized process. The
  knowledge on how to do create the art/craft has
  been passed down informally or semi-formally or
  discovered individually. Furthermore, the
  production usually does not take place in a
  modern factory-like setting.

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Definitions for Clarification(cont)

• Amateur Labor-the labor that is performed by an
  individual or group of individuals who have not
  been trained through institutionalized means.
• Utilitarian-any object that has a use other than
  to just be seen. However, the are objects whose
  primary use it meant as a sign (e.g. Scarecrow).
• Decorative object-an object whose main purpose is
  to be admired for its precision, workmanship, or
  beauty.

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An American Example of Craft (Folk and Non-Folk)

• Quilt-A type of bedspread or blanket that is
  formed by sewn squares and filled with down or
  other fill.
• Quilting Square-the individual unit which is
  duplicated to create the final design.
• Quilting Circle-A social group that is formed for
  the creation of a quilt (usually this is a
  secondary function).

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Quilting Links and Pictures

• Library of Congress American Memory Site
• http//memory.loc.gov/ammem/qlthtml/qlthome.html

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Quilting Pictures
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Quilting Pictures
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Quilting Pictures
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To Ponder

• What can we learn about culture and society
  through the study of folk arts and crafts?
• Are such things as graffiti folk art or craft?
• How about amateur-made religious icons are they
  folk art or are they folk craft, or neither?
• What functions can folk art or craft have for a
  given society or culture?