käsitööliigi

Käsitööliigi is an Estonian term that translates to "craft type" or "handicraft category". It refers to the classification and grouping of various forms of manual production and artistic creation. This categorization helps to organize and understand the diverse world of Estonian folk art and contemporary crafts.

Broadly, käsitööliigi can encompass a wide array of disciplines. Traditional Estonian handicrafts often include textiles like weaving, embroidery, and knitting, as well as woodworking, pottery, leatherwork, and metalworking. More contemporary classifications might also include elements of design, digital crafts, and innovative material use, while still retaining the core principle of manual creation.

The purpose of defining käsitööliigi is multifaceted. It aids in education and training, allowing for structured learning of specific skills and techniques. It is also important for cultural preservation, helping to identify, document, and promote traditional crafts. Furthermore, it facilitates trade and marketing, enabling producers to define their products and for consumers to understand the origin and nature of the items they are purchasing. Museums and cultural organizations often use these classifications to curate exhibitions and preserve heritage. The concept allows for both historical analysis of craft traditions and the identification of new trends and developments within the Estonian craft landscape.