Embargo Period

12-12-2024

Degree Name

MA in Intercultural Service, Leadership, and Management

First Advisor

Dr. Sora Friedman

Abstract

Women’s Traditional Handcrafts:

A Global Tool of Resistance, Resilience, Empowerment and Transformation

Abstract: Vashti Blacker

Women’s traditional handcraft is a global phenomenon. This research paper explores the common thread in the way that women around the world, at different points of time and history, use their traditional handcraft to tell their stories and create a visual legacy as a tool of resistance, resilience, recovery, empowerment, and transformation in adverse circumstances. The purpose of this research is to illuminate aspects of women’s traditional handcrafts to bring greater recognition, respect and understanding to the contribution women around the globe have made and continue to make in adverse circumstances through their empowered use of traditional handcrafts.

Qualitative research methodology was used with a mixed method approach of a short survey, in depth interviews, and artifact analysis. This helped to explore the topic in a flexible, comprehensive and multifaceted way. The findings in this study followed a thematic analysis. The key outcomes supported the global nature of women’s traditional handcrafts and their use by women in adverse circumstances with respect to three thematic groupings, including creative expression, symbolism and storytelling; resistance, resilience, recovery and survival skills; preservation of culture, identity, and heritage; and healing, empowerment and transformation.

In conclusion, the findings of this study were both clear and consistent. They paint a picture of the immense contribution made by women globally in the face of adverse circumstances through their empowered use of traditional handcrafting. The recommendation would be to highlight and bring to the forefront the global and timeless nature of this phenomenon and its impact. This would also be with the hope and intention of ensuring their place in history, culture, society, and to be more greatly known, understood, valued, and respected. It is about telling their story to the world.

Disciplines

Art Practice | Arts and Humanities | Cultural History | Fiber, Textile, and Weaving Arts | Social and Cultural Anthropology | Women's History | Women's Studies

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