On October 10, 2024, the Encyclopedia of Latin American Crafts was presented at the Iturbide Palace, also known as the Citibanamex Culture Palace, a historic building in the heart of Mexico City. The event was organized by Mrs. Cándida Fernández de Calderón and was officially opened with speeches by the International President of the World Crafts Council, Mr. Sa’ad Al-Qadummi; the encyclopedia’s Vice President and Coordinating Editor, Dr. Kevin Murray; and the advisor Mr. Indrasen Vencatachellum. Also present were the regional editors, Ms. Rosa Rojas (Mexico and Central America) and Ms. Cecilia Duque Duque.
The event took place within the framework of the Day of the Dead celebration, and the speeches were given in front of elaborate offerings. Artisans from Latin America attended the event to receive certificates in recognition of their work in preserving their skills, which were documented in the encyclopedia.
The encyclopedia contains 140 articles written by 41 authors from 21 Latin American countries. This publication is a testimony to the dynamism of crafts in a continent that fuses indigenous and migrant cultures.
The encyclopedia was funded by the Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi Foundation for Crafts and Arts, in memory of Dr. Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi. This was the second volume of a global encyclopedia of crafts, following the first volume dedicated to the Asia Pacific region.
On 10 October 2024, the Encyclopedia of Latin American Crafts was launched at the Palacio de Iturbide, also known as the Citibanamex Culture Palace, a historic building in the heart of Mexico City. The event was hosted by Señora Candida Fernandez de Calderon and officially launched with speeches by the World Crafts Council – International President, Mr Sa’ad Al-Qadummi, the Vice-President and encyclopedia coordinating editor, Dr Kevin Murray and advisor Mr Indrasen Vencatachellum. The regional editors, Ms Rosa Rojas (Mexico and Central America) and Ms Cecilia Duque Duque were also present.
The event was held in the lead-up to the Dias de los Muertos, and speeches occurred in front of elaborate ofrendas. Artisans from Latin America came to receive certificates acknowledging their work in keeping the skills alive, which were documented in the encyclopedia.
The encyclopedia contains 140 entries by 41 writers from 21 countries of Latin America. The publication is a testament to the vibrancy of crafts in a continent that mixes indigenous and migrant cultures.
The encyclopedia was funded by the Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi Foundation for Handicrafts and Arts in memory of Dr Ghada Hijjawi-Qaddumi. This was the second volume of a global encyclopedia of crafts, following the first volume on the Asia Pacific Region.