artisanat

Artisanat refers to the activities of artisans who produce goods or provide services by hand or with minimal mechanical assistance. It encompasses skilled, small-scale production carried out in workshops or home studios, and often emphasizes customization, quality, and attention to detail rather than large-volume output. The term covers a wide range of crafts, including woodwork, stone and metalworking, pottery, textiles, leather, glass, jewelry, bookbinding, and food-related crafts such as bakery, charcuterie, or cheesemaking, as well as restoration and design-oriented crafts.

Craftpersons typically acquire skills through apprenticeships, vocational training, or family transmission; many countries have recognized qualifications or diplomas (e.g., CAP in France) and professional associations or guilds that set standards and support markets.

Artisanat supports livelihoods in rural and urban areas, preserves traditional techniques, and contributes to regional identity. In many places it is linked to tourism and local branding, and to sustainable, locally sourced production.

In a globalized economy, artisanat faces competition from mass production, but it benefits from increasing demand for authentic, locally produced and ethically made goods, as well as online marketplaces enabling direct sales; challenges include access to finance, apprenticeship pipelines, and succession.