Käsityöt

Käsityöt, also known as Finnish handicraft, is an umbrella term referring to various traditional crafts and activities that involve the creation of handmade objects using manual skills and techniques. In Finland, käsityöt have a long history and have played an essential role in the country's cultural heritage and everyday life.

Käsityöt encompass a wide range of activities such as woodworking, blacksmithing, weaving, sewing, pottery, and papermaking. Skilled craftsmen and women have traditionally passed down techniques and skills from generation to generation, often in family-based workshops or guilds. In Finland, käsityöt have been influenced by the country's natural environment, geographical conditions, and cultural traditions.

Many käsityöt have been influenced by the pre-Christian pagan culture of the Finns and the after-effects of Christianization, particularly during the Middle Ages. For example, the metalworking techniques employed in Finnish käsityöt show similarities with those found in Nubian and Hungarian metalwork. Woodworking has also been an essential part of Finnish käsityöt, particularly in the construction and interior design of homes.

Since the mid-19th century, käsityöt have also played an essential role in promoting national identity and economic development in Finland. In the early 20th century, a significant increase in the production of handicraft goods led to the ruralification of Finnish society, as Finns from urban areas migrated to the countryside to pursue work in the handicraft industry. The concept of käsityöt has endured as an essential part of Finnish culture, with many modern Finnish artisans preserving the old traditions while creating innovative designs.