Cyprus Handcrafts

"The most beautiful hands are those that work" might juts be another overly used cliché but it speaks volume to the artistry and craftsmanship of Cypriots. Rightly so Cyprus handcrafts are the most sought-after among visitors because of their intricate details, arresting beauty, and exceptional creativity. Cyprus handcrafts are also widely recognized for their elegance that greatly mirrors the rich culture and profound skills of Cypriots.

Cyprus handcrafts are clear manifestation of Cypriots’ own brand of artistry and creativity. The wide array of Cyprus handcrafts products will surely amaze every vagabond soul to the country because there are truly more than one and hundred ways these products are made and presented. Homespun fabric in different colors, thatched pieces of furniture, shimmering silverware, artistically painted gourds, ceramics and pottery, and crochet in the most intricate details are just some of the enticing products that can behold visitors.

In fact, the Cypriots have made it convenient for the visitors to see and appreciate all these Cyprus handcrafts because a center has been put up in the capital to house all these. The center does not only showcase all the products but also become the center fro training of cottage industry courses. This will greatly help the communities from which each of the products came from. This is also to revive the once-feared-to-be-extinct craftsmanship of denizens of Athienou, Kilani, and Kornos for their lace making; pottery among the inhabitants of Ayios Dimitrios, Phini, and also in Kornos; and the elaborate linen of Lefkoniko.

One of the most popular among the world-renowned Cyprus handcrafts is the Cyprus lace of Lefkara. It is like a national symbol that can make any Cypriot proud. This lace from Lefkara is a work of love from the laborious process of producing only the best silk anyone can ever find in the world. In fact, one of the world’s most celebrated artists, Leonardo Da Vinci was once captivated to the beauty of the lace that he used it to dress up the cathedral in Milan.

Another impressive fabric-based handcrafts among the Cypriots is the Yemeni or the famous head scarf. This scarf is widely used among Cypriot women of Turkish descent that is largely regarded as a symbol of wealth. The scarf is delicately woven from only the finest fiber adorned with beautiful designs of flowers and leaves. Tree branches are also used in the design. Each masterpiece is embellished with different pattern.

Pottery is also one of the many distinct symbols of the creativity of Cypriots, which is highly practiced in Phini. In fact the name if village is taken from the word pitharia which means "giant earthenware jars". These jars were used in storing and transporting wines. These pottery products made san the aid of a wheel.

Cyprus handcrafts are true testament of the people’s creativity. They not only reflect their centuries-old culture but also the many cultures that helped shape their own.