Woodcarving is one of the most deeply rooted crafts still practiced in Macedonia. This traditional Macedonian art form began in the 14th century and reached its height during the 18th and 19th centuries. Most often carvings were used to decorate elaborate ceilings and church iconostases. The Association Old Crafts – Negotino (Zdruzenjeto Stari Zanaeti –Negotino) was formed in 2004 by a group of enthusiasts with the mission to rejuvenate and preserve traditional Macedonian crafts, especially woodcarving, and to improve the economic and social status of the region’s citizens. The opening of the woodcarving workshop was made possible with funding from USAID (United States Agency for International Development), the local self-government of Negotino, and other representatives from the community. The association currently has eighteen members and collaborators who regularly organize exhibitions in Negotino and who participate in the exhibitions organized by the Association of Macedonian Woodcarvers (Zdruzenjeto na Kopanichari na Makedonija) around Macedonia.
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