Along with Mozambique, Mauritius is one of two Southern African nations who exhibited examples of local handicrafts at the World Craft Council’s Golden Jubilee Celebration Summit on 18-22 October in Dongyang, China.

In conjunction with the non-governmental agency SPES (Society for the Promotion of Specialised Enterprises), Mauritian-based designer Sharon Thompson selected the Mauritian craft products to display in China. The handiwork of Mauritian artisans was represented in many different forms, including Phoenix recycled glass, woven baskets, jewellery using ebony wood and sea urchin spines, small dolls made from recycled cloth, model ships, woven hats and cloth, and Ravoir jewellery. This was a unique opportunity for the makers to have their craftworks exposed to an international audience, thereby helping to create financially viable opportunities and raising their standing in the local community.

The World Craft Council is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation founded in 1964, whose aim is to strengthen the status and raise the profile of crafts as an essential part of cultural and economic life. It also offers encouragement and advice to craftspeople and fosters sustainable craft-based livelihoods through income generating activities. In essence, the WCC’s goal is to elevate crafts and craftspeople into the mainstream of life, while championing the people who carry in their hands the living treasures of our cultural heritage.

The WCC is split into five regions – Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America and North America – whose members collaborate between regions and with each other to take part in a range of domestic and international activities like exchange programmes, specialist conferences, exhibitions and workshops. The 50^th anniversary event builds on these connections further by showing a diversity of crafts created by delegates from all over the world, while at the same time promoting their economic development.

For more information visit the World Craft Council website.