Cypriot Lefkara lace Erasmus+ project

1. Δημοτικό Σχολείο Κοκκινοτριμιθιάς Α΄

2. Lefkara Lace: A Cultural Tradition and Pattern of Identity
Δημοτικό Σχολείο Κοκκινοτριμιθιάς Α΄ - Primary School Kokkinotrimithias 1
Lefkara lace was an additional stream of income for many families, and prompted work by
lamp when daylight was no longer available. Unfortunately, the craft is threatened, as more
young people are focusing less on the slower ways of making, and more on jobs or careers
outside of the tiny village.
One of the options to preserve a craft such as Lefkara lace is the application to UNESCO
for a world heritage. The heritage description doesn’t only apply to places, but also to
tradition – and lace is a frequent applicant, as the unique designs around the world are
threatened by modernity.
UNESCO did approve Lefkara lace as a cultural heritage, which preserves it, at least in its
current form. The tradition of teaching must go on, as the women of Cyprus note, but what
their children do with it is the difficult reality. Fortunately, crafters outside of the town itself
are often willing to learn, and makers across the world (like me!) are so inspired to learn
and practice new techniques.
Lefkara lace is a form of pulled thread embroidery, with satin stitch detailing around the
edges. It is similar in construction to the Italian punto tagiato. It is primarily worked on linen,
and the traditional colors are whites, creams, and ecru. A beautiful element of Lefkara lace
is that it is totally reversible! It’s generally used in modern ways as table runners, cloths, or
covers, but traditionally was incorporated into clothing as well. The designs are geometric,
often trellises around stylized floral designs.

3. CYPRUS HANDICRAFT CENTER
The Cyprus Handicraft Centre is located in Nicosia. This Centre has as its
basic aim the revitalization of our traditional folk art and its gradual
development into modern handicraft.
Passing through the main entrance of the Centre, we find to the right the prototype
shop.
Selected samples of handicrafts are exhibited in the shop covering all types of
traditional crafts and are made either by the Handicraft Service craftsmen or by the
private sector. The items displayed at the Centre´s shop are characterized by high
quality, aesthetic beauty, Cypriot character and functionality.
Inside the Centre there is an impressive garden, the beauty of which is
relaxing for the visitor. Around the garden are the workshops where
instructors and craftsmen carry out a wide range of tasks, such as:
a) research and study of traditional objects of folk art,
b) study, design and creation of new items,
c) improvement of the items already in production,
d) experimental work with new raw material and techniques,
e) training of new craftsmen,
f) production.

4. CYPRUS HANDICRAFT CENTER
Aims of the visit
The purpose of our visit to the Cyprus Handicraft Center was
for the kids to get to know the different traditional Cypriot
Handicrafts, for them to see how they are made, talk to the
craftsmen and get different information. By putting them in
touch with this subject we hoped that kids will show interest
and why not, eventually engage with these folk arts.

5. What kind of crafts saw kids
“lefkaritika”, “athienitika”, “moditika”, lace, crochet, cross-stitch etcWorkshop of embroidery

6. What kind of crafts saw kids
“karpasitika”, “lefkonitziatika”, “fithkiotika”Workshop of weaving

7. What kind of crafts saw kids
Workshop of wood-work and mosaic

8. What kind of crafts saw kids
Workshop of garment making

9. What kind of crafts saw kids
Workshop of potteryWorkshop of artistic metalwork Workshop of basket weaving

11. Fithkiotiko embroidery
Fythkiotiko is the most well – known type of Cypriot weaving. The name comes from
the village of Fyti which seems to have played an important role in its development.
The Fythkiotika are characterized by multicolored geometrical embossed or plumes, as
they are called by the weavers which are formed into cotton material of natural colour.
The plumia usually have intense colours such as blue, red, green, orange and yellow.
They are made during the embroidery with the use of thick coloured threads which are
placed by the embroiders between the yarn.
Visiting and Learning from Craftspeople

12. More Local Crafts in our area
Pottery
Pottery is a very ancient craft on the island, with the red clay vessels constituting an integral part of daily
life in olden times when they were used to store and transport liquids such as wine and water, as well as
for the storage of agricultural products. The tradition of pottery making prevails in the villages of Kornos
[Larnaka (Larnaca) region] and Foini [Lemesos (Limassol) region], or you can find authentic pieces at the
Cyprus Handicraft Centre.

13. Taking information back to the classroom
After their visit to the center Year 1 children talked about “fithkiotika” and prepared
their own using a template their teacher gave them.

14. Year 4 decorated their favourite animals using patterns and designs from Lefkaritika
Year 3 made their own stamps using patterns and designs from Lefkaritika

15. Year 6 embroidered their own Lefkaritiko pattern – “Margarita” using different colours
of thread
Year 5 made their own fashion designs using patterns and designs from
Lefkaritika

16. Further information-Websites
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nuo1j_ -doJQ
https://youtu.be/fH2TcmRzum0
https://threadartproducts.com/lefkara-lace-a-cultural-tradition-and-pattern-of-identity/
Δημοτικό Σχολείο Κοκκινοτριμιθιάς Α΄