Decline, Survival and Development of Crafts: Comparisons of Tanning, Ironwork, Pottery, Woodwork and Weaving' with Particular Reference to Southwestern Ethiopia.

Abstract

This article investigates factors that accoullt Jor the differential
decline and survival of jive crafts, and the effects oj policies and interventions on
craft development. The article challenges the stereotypes oj "traditional" craft
work as ancient and unchanging and explores the roles oj prejudices against
craftwork, resource depletion alld compelition in the demise oj craJtwork.
The article suggests that the endurance oj various crafts can be explained by
differing combinations oj economic and cultural Jactors. II maintains that the
long-predicted demise oj craftwork is neither inevitable nor desirable. It argues
in favour oj promoting handicrafts as a strategy for employment, importsubstitution
and income-generation