Assahafa.com
Moroccan handicrafts, represented by works from Essaouira artisans, were awarded Thursday evening in Seville with the Demófilo Prize, presented to outstanding artistic works that reflect the creativity as well as the cultural and civilizational dimensions of craftsmanship.
This prestigious international award was given to Secretary of State for Handicrafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy Lahcen Saadi, during a ceremony held at the Hassan II Pavilion of the Foundation of the Three Cultures of the Mediterranean, attended by Foundation’s director Mar Ahumada Sánchez; Regional Government of Andalusia’s Minister of Culture and Sport Patricia del Pozo Fernández; and Government of Andalusia’s delegate in Seville Ricardo Sánchez Antúnez.
Crafted according to authentic woodcarving traditions famous to Essaouira city, this award-winning piece is a “Cross of Christ” carved from thuja wood. It embodies rich and diverse Moroccan craftsmanship, while reflecting excellence, creativity, and precision Moroccan artisans are famous for. It was set inside the Giralda Cathedral in Seville, thus conveying a humanistic message based on the values of dialogue, coexistence, and tolerance among cultures and religions.
Awarding the Demófilo Prize to this work, carved in the purest tradition of the great Souiri school of marquetry, is a recognition of the value as well as the remarkable uniqueness and creativity of Moroccan artisans, André Azoulay, Advisor to His Majesty the King and Co-President of the Three Cultures of the Mediterranean Foundation, told the press on the sidelines of the ceremony.
“Through this work, Moroccan craftsmanship is on full display. Visitors will discover a Morocco that serves a compass reminding us of what our civilizations have bequeathed to us for living together. This cross is a moving and authentic testament to that,” he emphasized.
Morocco is thus recognized, he continued, “for an enduring creativity, know-how, and talent, but also for the ability to serve as a true bridge between civilizations.” “Our artisans sometimes express who we are better than words or writings, for craftsmanship embodies life,” he noted.
For Azoulay, this work is also meant to be transmitted. “Craftsmanship is a talent that is appreciated and understood over the course of centuries, sometimes even millennia,” he concluded.
In turn, Machado Foundation President Antonio Zoido stated that this award dedicated to craftsmanship aims to promote artisanal trades in a world dominated by algorithms or large-scale industrial production matter. He noted Morocco’s exceptional heritage in this field, as well as Andalusia’s significant cultural assets.
The Demófilo Awards, organized by the Machado Foundation, rank among Andalusia’s most prestigious cultural distinctions dedicated to the promotion and celebration of folk traditions and intangible cultural heritage. Established to honor artistic initiatives and creations that help safeguard and disseminate cultural expressions -particularly those associated with traditional festivals- the awards also seek to highlight Andalusia’s rich cultural heritage and recognize the dedication of individuals and institutions committed to its safeguarding and promotion.
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