Handicrafts

What’s handicraft :
A handicraft, sometimes more precisely expressed as artisanal handicraft or handmade, is any of a wide
variety of types of work where useful and decorative objects are made completely by one’s hand or by
using only simple, non-automated related tools like scissors, carving implements, or hooks. Artisans in
Bangladesh used to create handmade necessary goods with clays, woods, canes, jute, metal, bamboo,
etc. and design them with bright colours uniquely that would uphold their traditions. Furniture, potters,
bags, showpieces, ornaments, etc. were crafted by these artisans.

Common handicraft items :

 Pottery.
 Wood work.
 Cotton.
 Silk.
 Gold.
 Silver.
 Jute.
 Reed.
 Brass ware.
 Traditional dolls.
 Pink pearls and copper ware trays.
 Well decorative bamboo made items and vases.

Handicrafts in the context of Bangladesh :

The most important industries in Bangladesh in early and medieval times comprised handicrafts and
cottage industries. Prominent amongst them were textiles, metal works, jewellery, wood works, cane
and bamboo works, and clay and pottery. Later, jute and leather became the major raw materials for
handicrafts.

The use of handicrafts in Bangladesh :

Traditional handicrafts have been used popularly in Bangladesh as they satisfy regular needs along with
upholding traditional virtues at the same time. Bangladeshi people’s affection towards their culture has
made these handicrafts and artworks still available for everyone. These arts and crafts have been used
as daily necessaries and types of furniture for decorating home since ancient times. The ancient kings of
this region used to admire these artisans for their magnificent handcrafts and reward.
The relationship between handicrafts and business :
The handicraft industry is a booming business nowadays . So if you plan to stat a Handicraft Business. It
is a good decision for you. This business is a long term business and gives profitable in the long term. In
the early age or starting of a business is little struggling for you. Handicraft industry is becoming large
due to the choice of people. Nowadays people demand handmade antique piece to showcase at their
house. People love to collect this entire kind of antique piece. People love to collect the entire cultural
and antique piece . Even foreigners also love to purchase these kinds of handmade antique pieces.
Handcraft business deals in so many things like a bamboo piece, glass piece, painting and many more.

The market of handicrafts :

The global handicrafts market stood at a value of USD 647.57 billion in 2020. The handicrafts market is
projected to witness a CAGR of 10.9% over the forecast period of 2022-2027. It is expected to reach USD
1,204.7 billion by 2026.

The market of handicrafts in Bangladesh :

According to manufacturers, Bangladesh exports handicraft goods to over 50 countries like USA,
German, France, Holland, Belgium, Spain, Japan, etc. The exportable item comprises handmade attires,
various items made with natural raw materials such as baskets, showpieces, terracotta, pottery and
handmade carpets . According to Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) export earning of handicrafts during
July to January 2020-21 stood at 19.6 million US dollar against 13.2 million US dollar in 2019-20 financial
year. Rate of increase is 48.22%. In fiscal year 2019-20 and 2018-19 export earning of handicraft
products of the country was 2 crore 5 lakh 20 thousand dollars and 1 crore 99 lakh 50 thousand dollars
respectively.

Handicrafts market trends :

In recent years, with the emergence of online retail and the proliferation of various e-commerce
channels, the accessibility to handicrafts has become more convenient for consumers. This has provided
a boost to the sales of handcrafted goods across the globe. Another factor driving the market growth is
the shift from ethnic to contemporary designs, coupled with the strong demand from offices, hospitals
and hotels. Apart from this, the growing travel and tourism industry has provided vast opportunities to
local artisans and handicraft manufacturers to produce commoditized products and sell them to tourists
who are willing to spend significantly on souvenirs and other craft items. Moreover, handicrafts have
lower energy requirements, unlike machine-made products which involve the utilization of electricity
and various other fuels. On account of the low capital investments, the industry is flourishing,
particularly in the developing regions such as India, China, and Afghanistan.

COVID-19 impact on the market of handicrafts in Bangladesh :

 While nearly every business sector in Bangladesh has been hit by the fallouts of the coronavirus
pandemic, handicrafts have continued faring well in the global market . With exports beginning in 1980,
such products which are made entirely by hand or by using only simple tools have come to create an
international market of more than $20 million, as per the Export Promotion Bureau’s (EPB) estimate of
fiscal 2019-20.This fiscal year, manufacturers and exporters have already attained half that figure in just
four months to October, bagging $10.84 million from foreign countries. In comparison, it was $7.34
million in the same period last fiscal.

The manufacturers of handicrafts :

Bangladesh has developed some special areas like Dhamral for brass ware items, Comilla for khadi,
Sonaraon for traditional handicrafts, Rajshahi for silk items, Narayaganj and Mirpur in Dhaka for
Zamadani Sari, Barisal for Shital Pati, which are famous for local arts and crafts. The Government has
taken some institutional measures for developing and marketing different sorts of visual arts and crafts.
There are many handcraft producing company like :

 Aarong.
 Artisan Villa Ltd.
 Crafts Villages Ltd.
 CANDiD Decor.
 Bengal Artisan .

Social and economic importance of handicrafts industries :

Handicrafts play very important role in representing the culture and traditions of any country or region.
Handicrafts are a substantial medium to preserve of rich traditional art, heritage and culture, traditional
skills and talents which are associated with people’s lifestyle and history . Handicrafts are hugely
important in terms of economic development. They provide ample opportunities for employment even
with low capital investments and become a prominent medium for foreign earnings . Bangladesh is a
country of rich culture, history and traditions. Bangladesh is one of the major producer and supplier of
Handicrafts products in the world. Bangladesh has been major producer and supplier of handicrafts
products since very long time. Before the industrial development, this art and industry was a potential
economic advantage for the country.