Sculptural reproduction of architectural ornamentation as a way for conservation of traditional craftsmanship

Abstract

Traditional craftsmanship as a part of intangible cultural heritage needs to be conserved as defined in the UNESCO 2003 Convention and Living Human Treasures System. In architecture, traditional craftsmanship is embodied on architectural ornaments in historic buildings by local builders; and the conservation of it necessitates its transmission process from generation to generation. In the traditional building production period, the transmission process had been guaranteed by master–apprentice relation, but nowadays, it has been interrupted together with the drastic change in building technology; and the knowledge, skills of building craftsmen and cultural expressions This creates problems both in the conservation of traditional craftsmanship in building activities and in the restoration process of historic buildings. This study aims to develop a specific conservation approach by revitalising the methods of study of building craftsmen through the reproduction process of architectural ornaments in monumental stone buildings by sculptures in the Faculty of Fine Arts in Selcuk University.   Keywords: Traditional craftsmanship, architectural ornamentation, reproduction, intangible heritage, conservation.