They show the confidence of the Cypriot craftsman as well as his rich imagination and sense of humour.
The secrets of producing exquisite Cypriot handicrafts in precious stones, metal, wood or textiles, silk, wool or cotton have been handed down from generation to generation until modern times when the industrial invasion of imported products nearly killed all ancient crafts, fortunately not quite. As a reaction against a life which has become too artificial and too international - almost soulless - teh need for authenticity, originality, simplicity, preservation and revival of genuine Cypriot crafts has been felt very strongly. The answer has been found by experts i.e. master craftsmen and action was taken just in time to save a valuable heritage.
First of all the Museum of Folk Art in Nicosia was established by the Cyprus Studies Organisation in 1950 to house all genuine and representative objects of Cypriot folk art made during the 19th and 20th centuries. Then followed the need to create and recreate handmade simple natural beautiful and useful things for everyday life. the need was overcome by the establishment of the Handicraft Centre which is now able to offer a whole variety of Handicraft products functional and made by skillful hands of great masters.
The Government of Cyprus with the financial and technical assistance of various U.N. organisations, created within the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Cyprus Handicraft Centre, whose continuous aim is to promote and improve many of the traditional folk art skills, by helping artisans to improve their techniques and maintain the quality of their product.
The Cyprus Handicraft Centre can also help you in your selection of what to buy in Cyprus during your stay here. You will be able to find original Lefkara Lace, Pottery of Kornos and Phini, Phiti type weaving and other woven material in the workshops of the Cyprus Handicraft Centre.
A selection of locally made handicrafts is on permanent exhibition at 186, Athalassa Avenue, Nicosia. There you can seek advice and information and select or buy products of your own choice.
Similar shops - exhibitions exists also in the other towns of Cyprus and in Laiki Yitonia, in the centre of Nicosia.
Cyprus Jewellers Museum, Laiki Yitonia, Nicosia Tel: (02)457278
Limassol Folk Art Museum, Ayiou Andreou 253, Limassol Tel: (05)362303
Geroskipou Folk Art Museum, Geroskipou Village, 3km east of Paphos Tel: (06)2402126
Lefkara: Museum of Embroidery and Silver Smithing, Lefkara
Reference: Folk Art and Handicrafts, Cyprus Tourism Organisation in cooperation with the Cyprus Handicraft Centre