A 45,000-year-old Neanderthal quartz scraper found in France's Dordogne region reveals ancient appreciation for aesthetics and advanced material selection, challenging primitive stereotypes.
Many traditional crafts, including letterpress printing, reverse glass sign painting, dry stone walling, and papermaking, are at risk of extinction due to technological advances and low financial viability. Artisans in the west of England are working to preserve these skills, finding renewed interest in handmade imperfections as a counterpoint to AI and mass production.
Black and White brand full-cream evaporated milk, imported from the Netherlands, has been a crucial ingredient in Hong Kong's daily life for 85 years, particularly in milk tea and local diner culture, becoming a symbol of the city's culinary identity.
Katherine Harrison, a 17th-century Connecticut widow, faced witchcraft accusations due to her financial independence, non-traditional hobbies, and defiance of patriarchal norms, reflecting a historical pattern where women's economic power led to vulnerability.
A 2,700-year-old bronze sword was discovered standing upright in a northern Polish forest, an unusual position suggesting deliberate placement, possibly as a ritual offering. The well-preserved weapon offers insights into Bronze Age craftsmanship, wealth, and belief systems, adding to the region's archaeological history.
A ferry carrying 116 passengers, the MV Barima, sank off the coast of Guyana after departing Georgetown for Port Kaituma. At least 66 people have been rescued, and a search and rescue operation, involving Guyana's coast guard and private vessels, is continuing.
Foreign delegates at a UNESCO meeting in Busan, South Korea, can witness master artisans craft "gat," a traditional Korean hat. The "Living Heritage X ICH" showcase runs July 20-29 at BEXCO, featuring various traditional skills and hands-on programs.
A volunteer recounts a 16-week voyage aboard the Saga Farmann, a replica Viking trading ship, from Norway to Istanbul, using traditional methods and routes. The journey involved sailing rivers and seas, facing harsh weather, and fostering camaraderie among the crew.
Photographer Daniel Malikyar aims to showcase Afghanistan's beauty and culture beyond negative stereotypes, documenting remote villages and the lives of its people, like Kyrgyz nomads in the Pamir Mountains.
Sonabai Rajwar, a Chhattisgarh woman, pioneered a unique art form using clay, straw, and bamboo. Isolated for 15 years, she created toys and wall art for her son, which later gained international recognition, earning her prestigious awards and museum exhibitions.
An 82-year-old retired craftsman declared a revolution and that President Macron had been deposed before firing on French gendarmes. Two officers were wounded in the legs before the man surrendered.
PM Narendra Modi presented traditional Indian gifts, including Kalamkari paintings, handwoven textiles, and ancient Ayurvedic texts, to leaders in France and Slovakia. The gifts highlighted India's rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship.
Novak Djokovic boasts an estimated net worth of $250 million, with a significant portion attributed to his passion for luxury watches. His collection features elite brands like Hublot, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Seiko, including exclusive editions celebrating his career achievements.
India's Navy will induct five indigenously-built naval platforms this month, including two Project 17A stealth frigates, a survey vessel, and two anti-submarine warfare crafts. These additions aim to enhance maritime security, combat readiness, and coastal defense, reflecting India's growing domestic shipbuilding capabilities.
Textured surfaces are increasingly popular in modern luxury homes, adding depth, warmth, and character to interiors and exteriors. Unlike smooth finishes, textures interact with light by scattering it, creating a richer, more layered appearance. Materials like lime plaster, brushed wood, fluted concrete, and terrazzo are being used on walls, floors, ceilings, and facades, reflecting the owner's personality and evolving design trends.
Hikmet Sungur, a 59-year-old polyurea coating master from Bursa, spent 8 months with a 10-person team to create a detailed miniature replica of the Mercedes 302 bus he used for years. The unique, handmade model was exhibited and received high praise.
Hitachi is tackling the "quiet crisis" in Japanese manufacturing by digitizing the tacit knowledge of veteran workers. A new program trains data scientists to translate "craftsman's intuition" into usable data for AI, aiming to improve product design and address the issue of "personalized reports" hindering AI adoption.
Four recipients of the "National Cultural Heritage Craftsman" award share their dedication to preserving and revitalizing cultural relics. They discuss their innovative techniques and profound respect for history, ensuring artifacts are understood and passed on.
A replica of 'Banhwa,' a Joseon Dynasty royal bonsai craft, will be displayed in Korea for the first time. Originally gifted to France in 1886, the replica was restored with support from Amorepacific's Sulwhasoo brand and will be shown at the National Palace Museum of Korea and Deoksugung Palace starting May 3rd.
Taiwanese educator Zheng Minqing is showcasing an AI application platform for crafts at the 2026 China Arts and Crafts Expo in Fuzhou, emphasizing AI's role in digitalizing traditional arts and enhancing student creativity and efficiency.
Turkey's booming hair transplant industry, a major medical tourism driver, has evolved from traditional craftsmanship to AI-powered systems. This growth, fueled by psychological needs and post-pandemic demand, faces challenges from unlicensed clinics and the integration of advanced technology.
75-year-old craftsman Li Chengcai in Lanzhou, Gansu, transforms discarded roots, stones, and branches into art, creating a "folk micro-exhibition hall" in his courtyard to preserve the ancient town's Yellow River culture.
Suzuki Seiichi, 81, is the sole remaining craftsman of the "Hijiori-kei" traditional Kokeshi dolls in Yamagata Prefecture's Okura Village. Having apprenticed in his late 20s, he has dedicated over 50 years to his craft, driven by a desire to preserve the tradition unique to this heavy-snow region.
The 'Tiangong Liaozuo, Shanhai Huazhang' exhibition opened in Shenyang on May 23, showcasing over 20 traditional Liaoning crafts. The event aims to promote the creative transformation and innovative development of traditional culture, fostering brand building and industrial growth for 'Liaogong Liaozuo'.
