55 on looms that remained largely unchanged until the previous century. Among the most important weavings of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Cyprus are the “Fythkiotiko” patterns from the village of Fyti in Pafos. The main characteristic of the Fythkiotiko loom embroidery is the relief-coloured designs in various geometric patterns, created by passing the threads either by hand or with the shuttle. Ceramics / Pottery Pottery in Cyprus first appeared during the Neolithic period and production continues to this day in villages such as Kornos, Foini and Agios Dimitrios. Cyprus was an important commercial centre, connecting East and West. Ceramic production flourished in antiquity, especially from the Bronze Age onwards, when “pithoi”, large storage vessels and pointed based amphoras of a high level of artistry, were made for storing and transporting wine and oil. During the mediaeval period under Byzantine and Frankish rule, pottery production also thrived. The main ceramic production centres were in the Pafos region (13th–14th centuries), the Engomi area of Ammochostos (late 13th–14th centuries), and the Lapithos region (14th–16th centuries). Brightly coloured and lustrously glazed wares with decorations often featuring Byzantine and Frankish motifs were produced. Carpentry / Woodwork Since antiquity, Cyprus has been renowned for its vast forests. Wood served as a vital raw material for shipbuilding, agricultural and household tools and furniture, construction and as fuel. Carpentry developed into two main categories: ecclesiastical, which flourished from the 16th century with the creation of tall wood-carved iconostases and rural woodcarving traditions. Wood carved household items such as “souvantzes” (shelves) and chests were an integral part of homes until the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Particularly notable are those from the villages of Lapithos, Karpasia and Lysi, with their distinctive local styles. Basketry / Wickerwork This enduring craft has remained largely unchanged over time and is deeply rooted in the agricultural and pastoral life in the countryside. Traditionally, baskets were made for everyday practical use. Even today, artisans weave various types, using selected strains of wheat and palm leaves. The villages of Livadia (Larnaka region), Mesogi (Pafos region) and Akrotiri (Lemesos region) are especially renowned for this craft. Mosaics The mosaics of Hellenistic and Roman Cyprus are concentrated in the city of Pafos, the island’s capital for much of this period, as well as Kourion and Salamis. While Hellenistic examples exist, the most spectacular and extensive mosaics date to the Roman period (2nd–5th centuries AD) and adorned the villas of wealthy residents. The remarkable Pafos mosaics are now a UNESCO World Heritage site and are considered to be among the finest in the eastern Mediterranean. Leatherwork Up until recently, tanning was one of the main crafts preserved until the end of the 20th century in Pedoulas, Gialia, Psimolofou and Aradippou. The most widespread type of leather was “vourka”, the shepherd’s backpack and the tall men’s boots, both of which were made from goatskin.
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