The Construction of Placeness in Traditional Handicraft Heritage Sites: A Case Study of Suzhou Embroidery

Xiyue Zhang, Yajuan Li, Jing Lin and Yanjun Ye
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Xiyue Zhang: School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, Beijing 102617, China
Yajuan Li: School of Urban and Environmental Science, Central China Normal University, Wuhan 430079, China
Jing Lin: Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
Yanjun Ye: School of Earth Science and Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan 056038, China

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 16, 1-24

Abstract: Traditional handicrafts are rooted in the idea of the place, and their revival can trigger a construction of place in terms of physical buildings and cultural ambience. This study focuses on traditional Suzhou embroidery and analyses the effect of its revival on the construction of placeness and sustainable development within its specific social context. The results showed that (1) reviving traditional handicrafts triggers changes to local public spaces, the reshaping of local architecture, and the development of a cultural landscape; (2) The revival of the handicraft in terms of local activities is reflected in increased efficiency and creativity and in the stable inheritance of skills. The traditional farming lifestyle of Zhenhu has been transformed, leading to better quality of life and social networks; (3) The revival of Suzhou embroidery has updated the place through renovating its image. The local residents’ awareness of the benefits of their handicrafts has also increased, and their increased dependence on place will strengthen their belongingness and attachment to it. These local changes exert positive impact on the realization of sustainable goals by boosting decent work and economic growth, ensuring environmental sustainability, building sustainable cities and communities, and enhancing community stability and cultural diversity. Thus, the revival of handicrafts can guide a place to refocus on local economic growth and cultural development towards sustainable development, bringing about an organic inheritance of its history and the reinforcement of placeness.

Keywords: placeness construction; traditional handicraft; intangible cultural heritage; sustainable development; Suzhou embroidery (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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