Dr. Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi’s inspiring dream was an encyclopedia project that could bring together the world’s crafts on a common platform where we could appreciate each other’s culture. It was an honor to work with her personally to help realize this vision, initially with crafts from the Asia-Pacific region. This next volume, Latin America, is especially poignant as a posthumous testament to his vision.
The encyclopedia is a key project of civilization. It originated in Roman times with the volumes of Pliny the Elder. From the Islamic world, there were epic publications such as the 9,000 pages of *The Ultimate Ambition in the Arts of Scholarship* (Nihāyat al-arab fī funūn al-adab) by Al-nuwayri, published in the Mamluk period of the 14th century. In the West, the 18th-century *Encyclopédie* edited by Diderot and d’Alembert was the pinnacle of the Enlightenment and championed the “mechanical arts” as an essential domain of knowledge. This current online craft encyclopedia project parallels Wikipedia as the iconic knowledge platform of our time.
The encyclopedia is more than an accumulation of knowledge. It is a testament to human ingenuity alongside natural wonders. The global crafts encyclopedia project particularly aims to recognize artisans who have dedicated their lives to learning a unique skill that can then be passed on to future generations. It is important to recognize that the knowledge in this encyclopedia is a living entity that deserves our care and support.
The specific crafts chosen for inclusion were decided by the regional editors in dialogue with local craft experts. Entries include a description of the technique and the final product. In recognition of those who keep these traditions alive, we are pleased to produce certificates for artisans so that others can recognize the importance of their craft.
Each volume of the global crafts encyclopedia reveals a unique regional identity. These entries are a testament to the vibrant popular cultures of Latin America. This reflects popular cultures that produce elaborate festivals such as Carnival and Day of the Dead. While all of the objects in this volume can be appreciated as works of great beauty in their own right, many play a role in the rich diversity of dance and music that spans the continent. In the global view of the world’s crafts, Latin America stands proud as a large southern region composed of independent nations with rich and diverse cultures.
As an online publication, these entries may be updated as circumstances change. Reader comments are welcome to provide more information and updates on the status of the crafts.
We hope that this encyclopedia inspires readers to seek out the creators of Latin American crafts and support their work.
Dr Kevin Murray