- Seal of Excellence for Handicrafts
The Seal of Excellence for
Handicrafts is awarded to handicraft products annually by [http://unesco.org UNESCO] .The programme operates separately in several Asian regions:
South East Asia ,Central Asia ,South Asia andEast Asia . Although initiated and generally coordinated by [http://unesco.org UNESCO] , several partner NGOs implement the program at regional and national levels. Products are submitted annually between April and June and judging takes place in September by an international panel of experts selected by [http://unesco.org UNESCO] .The stated objective of the Seal is to encourage artisans to produce
handicrafts using traditional skills, patterns and themes in an innovative way, in order to ensure the continuity and sustainability of these traditions and skills. The program was established to promote thehandicraft sector, which play an important economic and social role in [developing countries] . The award aims to promote sustainable livlihoods as well as encourage the continued use oftraditional knowledge .Products can be submitted in one of 7 categories:
A: Textiles
B: Natural Fibre
C: Ceramics
D: Wood
E: Stone
F: Metal
G: Other (including paintings)
Judging Criteria
The products are judged according to a number of set criteria. The general criteria, which was updated for 2007, includes
Excellence
Demonstrated excellence and standard-setting quality in craftsmanship
Authenticity
Expression of cultural identity and traditional aesthetic values
Innovation
Innovative approach to design and production
Eco-friendliness
Respect for the environment in materials and production techniques
Marketability
The Potential of the item in world markets
Pre-conditions include considerations of social responsibility in product, and that the product classify as a
handicraft according to the definition that appears on [http://www.unescobkk.org/culture/craftseal UNESCO Bangkok's Seal of Excellence website]History
The Seal was launched in
South East Asia in 2001. In 2004 it expanded toCentral Asia andSouth Asia , and toEast Asia in 2006. Future expansion is planned for other regions of the world.Links
[http://www.unescobkk.org/culture/craftseal UNESCO Bangkok: Seal of Excellence site]
[http://www.unescobeijing.org/view.do?channelId=006002015002 UNESCO Beijing: Seal of Excellence site]
[http://www.unesco.kz/?sector=Culture&lang= UNESCO Almaty site]
[http://portal.unesco.org/geography/en/ev.php-URL_ID=5990&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html UNESCO New Delhi: Culture]
[http://www.ahpada.com/index2.html AHPADA Seal of Excellence site]
[http://www.craftscouncilindia.org/calendar/seal06.html Crafts Council of India]
[http://www.catgen.com/cacsa/EN/100122.html Central Asian Craft Support Association]
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