Consumers influence crafts

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Crafts provide an important source of income for people of various cultures world-wide. One example of a group that produces traditional crafts for a profit is the Minnguq Sewing Group, which manufactures and market seal skin crafts based on traditional Inuit designs and local natural resources.

A study was undertaken to identify how the Inuit members of the Minnguq Sewing Group and the non-Inuit consumers affected the design, production, and marketing of the products.

An understanding of the context in which the Minnguq Sewing Group produces and sells its crafts provides insight into the factors that facilitate and inhibit craft development. The study revealed several influences: (Cross) Cultural, social, economic, political, environmental and physical.

The multiple roles of the seamstresses, which included family, employment and community responsibilities affected their participation in the enterprise.

Traditional Inuit designs and consumer preferences affected the design of crafts.

The geographic location of Broughton Island and consumer markets imposed particular marketing strategies.