It is my honor to present the “Encyclopedia of Latin American Crafts”, an important initiative born from the vision of my late mother, Dr. Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi, and carried out by the Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi Foundation for Arts and Crafts (GHQF). . As president of the World Crafts Council (AISBL) and president of the editorial board of the Encyclopedia of Crafts, I am proud to continue his legacy by promoting this important project dedicated to documenting and preserving the rich and diverse craft traditions of the Latin American region.
Dr. Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi’s passion for craftsmanship, along with her belief in combining academic research with practical knowledge, inspired this project. The Encyclopedia serves as a vital reference for traditional crafts throughout the Latin American region, contributing to the preservation of these invaluable cultural assets for future generations. The current volume, scheduled for release in October 2024, is the second in a global series, following the success of the Encyclopedia of Crafts in the Asia Pacific region. The overall goal of the GHQF is to document and showcase craft traditions in five regions: Asia Pacific, Africa, Europe, Latin America and North America. The aim is to create a platform that not only preserves traditional crafts but also encourages a deeper understanding of the cultural, social and economic significance of these crafts. This project is fully funded by the GHQF and I am proud to personally carry out the commitment to this cause, inspired by my mother’s sense of responsibility towards safeguarding the cultural heritage of crafts.
This Encyclopedia represents not only an academic resource but also a beacon to promote intercultural dialogue. By documenting the crafts of Latin America, we create opportunities for mutual understanding and collaboration between diverse cultures.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Editorial Board: Dr. Kevin Murray (Coordinating Editor) and Mr. Indrasen Vencatachellum (Consultant) who have made every effort to ensure the completion of this project despite the challenges we had to face in the initial stage to initiate this project. Including Ms. Rosa María Rojas Navarrete (Regional Editor), Ms. Cecilia Duque Duque (Regional Editor), Writers and the WCC AISBL/GHQF Secretariat, who worked tirelessly to make this project a reality. My sincere thanks to Prof. Somesh Singh, developer of the project website, and again to Dr. Kevin Murray for their significant contributions in making this vision a reality. Your efforts are deeply appreciated.
I deeply thank Mrs. Cándida Fernández, Director of Fomento Cultural Citibanamex, México for her understanding, support and recognition, which has allowed me to continue my mother’s legacy. I was especially moved by her proposal to hold in Mexico the launch event of the American Crafts Latin Encyclopedia and the “Diamond Jubilee” event of the 60 years of the WCC AISBL. Special thanks to Ms. Rocío Blázquez, Mr. Juan Carlos Almaguer and the organizers, whose invaluable support has made it possible to officially launch this project in Mexico in October 2024.
Finally, I also extend my deepest gratitude to my brother, Dr. Nabil Al-Qaddumi, and my entire family for their constant support and encouragement in the realization of this important cultural initiative and more to come.
Saad Al-Qaddumi
President, World Crafts Council AISBL (WCC AISBL) I Founder of Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi Foundation for Arts and Crafts (GHQF) I Chairman of the Editorial Board of the Encyclopedia of Crafts