Craftopia

  Traditional Arts and Crafts From Around the World 1. Azulejo Tiles, Portugal Did you ever wonder where the beautiful tiles in the Portuguese and Spanish cities came from? Azulejo is a form of decorative tilework that has a rich history in Portugal and Spain, where it has been used for centuries to decorate the interiors and exteriors of buildings. Azulejo, originating from the Islamic ceramic tradition of the Middle East and North Africa, was introduced to the Iberian Peninsula by the Moors in the 8th century. The term "azulejo" is derived from the Arabic word "al-zulayj," meaning "polished stone." Originally, azulejos were crafted from simple geometric shapes and were utilized to embellish mosques and other Islamic structures. However, during the 17th and 18th centuries, they evolved into more intricate and ornate designs, featuring elaborate patterns and scenes painted on the tiles. By the 19th century, the production of azulejos underwent industrializ...

About   CONCH Shell Conch-shell craft refers to the art of engraving beautiful images on natural shells obtained from the sea. Obtained from the Turbinella Pyrum   a large predatory sea snail found in the Indian Ocean. These shells have an oblong or conical shape with a protuberance in the middle and tapering ends. The upper portion features a corkscrew-shaped siphonal canal, while the lower end remains twisted and tapering. The shell's color is dull, with a hard, brittle, and translucent surface. Internally, it is hollow, with shiny inner surfaces and highly tuberculated outer surfaces. In Hinduism, the shiny white, soft shankh with pointed ends is highly prized for religious purposes.                                       Conch-Shell Carving     Conch shell craft is one of the oldest folk crafts of West Bengal, practiced by craftsmen          ...