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Folk Arts are based on the materials available on the island and derive from the history and tradition of the Cretans.

Being on an island, led the Cretans to try and utilize materials in abundance and create all they needed for their survival and well being with those materials. Wool, leather, earth and plants (straws, cotton) are the raw materials used in Cretan Folk Arts. Since Minoan Ages the ceramic utensils, house ware and storing facilities (amphorae & pithoi) were of widest use for both dry and liquid food. Making jewels from gold (Bee pendant in Malia) and silver is also inherited from the Minoans. Therefore pottery, wool weaving, straw weaving, goldsmith and silversmith are Folk Arts which Cretans are occupied with.