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Wooden locks from the island of Corvo now included in the list of 100 certified products as “Artesanato dos Açores”

Ponta Delgada, February 2nd, 2017

The Vice-Presidency, within the ambit of the business competitiveness promotion policy of the Government of the Azores through the valorization of regional products, approved the certification of the “Wooden Locks from the island of Corvo” by the brand Artesanato dos Açores, which already has over 70 artisans and about 100 products.

The Ordinance published today in the Official Journal recognizes the traditional production of wooden locks on the smallest island of the archipelago, associated with rural life, some still remaining, especially in agricultural shelters.

These locks are an emblematic product of the local handicraft that has maintained its relevance throughout the centuries, becoming inseparable from the history of the Region and the people from Corvo.

In the production of this type of handicraft, the re-use of raw materials is also important, and sometimes wood is used from old constructions that apparently have no utility.

The wooden locks from the island of Corvo, formerly used to lock the doors of wealthier homes, have now become a typical handicraft increasingly sought after by visitors.

With this certification, the Regional Government reinforces the creation measure of this collective brand of origin, considering that the incentive to maintain artisan practices of recognized cultural and economic interest can contribute significantly to the Region’s notoriety, enrich the ethnographic heritage and to consolidate cultural diversity as a pole of tourist attractiveness.

It is also intended to be a more effective distinction, promotion and marketing, especially in the foreign market, through the projection of the brand Artesanato dos Açores and by encouraging the certification of products, brand images, designation of origin, indication of protected geographical locations, traditional speciality guaranteed, use of labels and warranty stamps.

The application for certification is presented to the Regional Center for Handicrafts (CRAA) and analyzed through the Technical Assistance Committee (CAT).

The certification is attributed to products traditionally manufactured in the Region and that meet strict evaluation criteria, being CRAA responsible for approving, following up and monitoring.

GaCS /OG