127 Items Tagged

Crafts

Owaraji (Giant Straw Sandals)

An enormous pair of straw sandals woven in the traditional way—to keep demons at bay.

The mango button lock opens only when you turn the key after pressing a hidden button.

The Devilishly Difficult Locks of Dindigul

These unique handcrafted mechanisms are designed to protect homes, confound cashiers, and outthink thieves.

Kamala Thiagarajan February 21, 2020

Guillermo del Toro after winning an Academy Award for 'The Shape of Water'

Reynosa, Mexico

Piñatería Ramírez

Traditional craftwork and modern pop culture merge in this piñata workshop.

Jean Strazzeri, one of the last traditional glovemakers in France, pictured in his Grenoble workshop.

The Delicate Art of Glove-Making Lives On in the French Alps

“I could have retired long ago, but I don’t want this profession to die with me."

Sukhada Tatke January 21, 2020

At this Gullah Geechee home on Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, painted doors and shutters keep out evil spirits called "haints."

What the Color 'Haint Blue' Means to the Descendants of Enslaved Africans

In the Lowcountry, the unique shade is both protective talisman and source of unspeakable suffering.

Shoshi Parks January 14, 2020

The workshop.

San Agustín Etla, Mexico

Taller Arte Papel (Paper Art Workshop)

This art center located in a former hydroelectric plant uses native plants to create paper for kites, bags, jewelry, and more.

FONART Patriotismo.

Mexico City, Mexico

FONART Patriotismo

This warehouse-gallery-shop hybrid showcases Mexican craftwork at its best.

A hairy monkey diorama made by Ying Li, showing a picnic in the park and a vendor selling pumpkins.

How Chinese Artisans Turn Dead Cicadas Into ‘Hairy Monkeys’

These traditional handicrafts require exoskeletons, magnolia buds, and a steady hand.

Marina Wang December 19, 2019

Detail shot of Rita's quilt. The hexagons are decorated with the outlines of the 50 U.S. states, along with their official birds and animals.

The Surprising Complexity of an Unfinished American Quilt

A community of feminist crafters grapples with a patriotic quilt that a 99-year-old nurse left behind.

Claire Voon December 12, 2019

An adult Kemp's ridley sea turtle heading to sea.

The World's Tiniest Sea Turtles Keep Getting Stranded on Cape Cod

Floating devices called "drifters" are helping oceanographers understand why.

Sabrina Imbler December 9, 2019

Excavations conducted after the lidar survey revealed the extent of the bead-making village.

Found: A Prehistoric Bead-Making Factory Town Off the Florida Coast

The kinds of beads they made were coveted far and wide a thousand years ago.

Isaac Schultz November 5, 2019

Several smaller alebrijes for sale in Tilcajete.

San Martín Tilcajete, Mexico

Alebrijes of San Martín Tilcajete

This Oaxacan town is known for its colorful fantastical creatures hand-carved by local artisans.

Minibyen Sæby on a sunny day.

Minibyen Sæby

Residents of this seaside village are building a miniature 1:10 scale version of their historic town.

Seattle, Washington

Ars Obscura

In this subterranean brick arcade, a small shop continues the ancient practice of bookbinding.

If this looks relaxing to you, you're not alone.

Respect the Hammock, One of Humanity’s Greatest Creations

In praise of an excellent idea with a long, complicated history.

Dan Nosowitz August 23, 2019

Tobacco boxes

Mexico City, Mexico

Franz Mayer Museum Silver Collection

A shining treasure trove of fine Mexican silver dating back to the 15th century.

Vilnius, Lithuania

Margutis Easter Egg

A 300-kilogram egg sculpture that embodied a neighborhood revival.

New Delhi, India

Cafe Lota

Nestled among the artifacts of the National Crafts Museum, this hidden gem offers hard-to-find regional foods from all over India.