THE PRODUCT CATEGORIES, CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS OF HANDICRAFT PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Artisanal products are those produced by artisans, either completely by hand, or with the help of hand tools or even mechanical means, as long as the direct manual contribution of the artisan remains the most substantial component of the finished product. Using raw materials from sustainable resources the special nature of artisanal products derives from their distinctive features, which can be utilitarian, aesthetic, creative, culturally attached, decorative, functional, religiously and socially symbolic and significant. Handicrafts, crafts or craft products are synonyms for Artisanal Products, which is a component of Creative Industries. Creative Industries derive their origins from individual creativity, skill and talent that have a potential for job and wealth creation through the generation and exploitation of the individual’s intellectual property. Creative Industries encompass the following segments i) Artisanal Products, ii) Visual Arts, iii) Performing Arts, iv) Cinema and Audiovisual Media, v) Multimedia, and vi) Literature, Books and Publishing. These equip the youths with wide range of practical skills which enables them to be self-relevant after leaving school.