The Role of Traditional Handicrafts in the Development of Rural Areas: The Case of Ribnica, Slovenia

Abstract

In pre-industrial period of time, traditional handicrafts played an important role in Slovenian rural areas. Large parts of Slovenia had very moderate conditions for agricultural production and therefore, people living in these areas had to find additional sources of income if they wanted to survive. They evolved different skills that were transferred from generation to generation, and today represent an immaterial cultural heritage. In different parts of Slovenia, these handicrafts are often seen as a developmental opportunity and are incorporated into the developmental plans of (marginal) rural areas. This study presents the analysis and findings of a number of cases where traditional handicrafts, such as lace-making, pottery, straw plaiting or woodenware-making, have been re-introduced or have acquired a new role in the local economy. Evaluating the results of these developmental initiatives is essential and accordingly, we will present an investigation that focuses on what, if any, evaluation methods have been used in the cases under analysis.