WATANI International
20 September 2009
Cheap, practical, affordable. There are several words to describe the Chinese products that have penetrated Egyptian markets. Yet these imported items cannot be described as precious, durable or innovative, since they do not show good taste or skill as much as they indicate that Chinese machines are advanced and labour available.
Closed down
Cheap imported goods are threatening the ethnic crafts which are a traditional means of livelihood for many Egyptians. Chinese products have even invaded the popular Khan al-Khalili bazaar, where many shops have closed now that they no longer attract tourists in search of Egyptian handicrafts. These shops have been replaced by Chinese markets selling products that reflect none of the local skill or fine taste.
Traders agree that ethnic crafts are fast disappearing and are worried that they cannot put up an effective competition in view of the high price of materials, the shortage of labour and the lack of government support.
Statistics issued by the Ministry of Foreign Trade indicate that the number of Egyptian businessmen who import goods from China has increased notably since figures were first assessed in 2002.
Authentic
Handmade crafts reflect the heritage of Egypt, so the trend is a cause for real concern. Watani met Ezzedin Naguib, an artist and art critic and the founder of the Assala (‘Authenticity’) Association which aims at cultivating heritage arts.
Since it was established in 1994 to preserve artistic heritage and authentic craftsmanship, Assala has been working towards interaction between working craftsmen and students approaching the craft from an academic or theoretical basis.
According to Mr Naguib, Assala is attempting to bridge the gap between the public and the product—especially from the cultural view.
“Over the past years Assala has trained hundreds of young people, especially targeting university students, to work with various handmade crafts such as woodcarving, ceramics and glass, as well as handmade textiles and accessories. It has also set up galleries for permanent display of traditional crafts and fine arts, as well as travelling workshops to teach techniques and skills of the craft.
Mr Naguib said ethnic crafts provided a real opportunity for different categories of people in society to raise their incomes and become self-independent. “The number of establishments of traditional crafts registered in the General Egyptian Authority for Manufacturing numbers about 2036, of which 770 are in Cairo. This provides 32,000 job opportunities,” he said.
Crafts are not restricted to a certain workplace; they require simple tools; and most of the objects produced are useful.
Strong competition
Marketing the products is the toughest obstacle, Mr Naguib said. Assala therefore adopted the ploy of penetrating the market with lower prices, bearing in mind the strong competition posed by Chinese products.
Speaking of the role of Assala in training young craftsmen, Mr Naguib said a grant in 2004 from the Aga Khan Foundation had helped train more than 80 trainees of both sexes in a number of traditional crafts including handmade textiles, design of gowns, tent-making, ceramics, drawing and sculpture.
“The trainee girls had more luck marketing their products from home, while the young male trainees tended to wait for finance from businessmen.” he added.
Funding
As for available government or quasi-government grants, Mr Naguib said the Aga Khan Foundation was a major source of funding for cultural services in Egypt. “[The foundation] responded to a suggestion by Assala for a research survey on a scientific and professional level at the various sites of ethnic craft production in Cairo’s historical districts over a whole year—2003,” he added.
The results of the survey are included in the first encyclopaedia of traditional crafts in historic Cairo. The foundation granted Assala EGP70,000 to produce the first volume, which looked at four crafts: tent-making, wood turning, mother-of-pearl jewellery and traditional jewellery, and linked these crafts with historical, social and religious roots. This enriched the encyclopaedia and gave it thoughtful dimension. The first volume was followed by three others.
Uninterested
In 2000 the cornerstone was laid for a mega project—Ceramic City in Fustat. Built on an area of 35,000 square metres, it would comprise every traditional Islamic craft. Up to now, however, nothing has been realised. “It requires the establishment of a national authority,” Mr Naguib says. “Its mission would be to coordinate the different sectors and authorities.” He believes the current generation of Egyptian businessmen has other interests. “Businessmen prefer to fund football or projects to eliminate illiteracy, all of which grab media attention,” he says. “Most businessmen have limited experience of traditional culture at a time when few craftsmen in Egypt pass on their profession to their sons.”