In 1978, the Colombian government established March 19th as National Artisan’s Day through Artesanías de Colombia.

The Medalla a la Maestría Artesanal (Artisanal Mastery Medal) is awarded as part of this celebration in acknowledgement of the people, companies and artisan communities that stand out in Colombia for their excellence in their craft and for continuing the craft tradition.

Those who receive this award elevate the trade to which they have devoted their lives and are able to keep their traditions alive. Furthermore, this award recognizes their trajectory and their work’s excellence. Moreover, it honors Colombian crafts in general, which are recognized as part of the country’s intangible heritage. This acknowledgement gives us the opportunity to spread the tradition and history of the country’s crafting sector by honoring its creators.

Medalla a la Maestría Artesanal Tradicional (Traditional Crafts Mastery Medal):

The artisan has been dedicated to the craft for at least 10 years within their own community or with other artisan groups and can attest to the transmission of their knowledge and/or teaching of the craft. The craft is made with traditional artisanal techniques, and it is representative of the region where it is produced. The crafts are made with local materials and have high quality standards.

Medalla a la Maestría Artesanal Contemporánea (Contemporary Crafts Mastery Medal):

The artisan has worked in the craft for at least 5 years. They must have passed on their knowledge within their community or to other artisan groups. Their work demonstrates high levels of innovation, creativity, skill, and quality. Application of design can be found on the crafts. The artisan has achieved an individual identity and stands out for their originality and unique style. The craft is made with traditional artisanal techniques.

Community: They can be communities, associations, cooperatives, and other groups of artisans who perform their crafts in Colombia. They must have been officially established for at least five years. The group’s main trade must be activities related to crafts, and they must be able to demonstrate their knowledge and mastery of the crafting technique. The community’s work is made with local materials and have high quality standards. The artisans of said community are teachers and want to share their knowledge.

Promotion: They are institutions that are formally established. With their work they support the encouragement, appreciation, and promotion of the Colombian crafting sector. Also, they help artisan groups generate income, and contribute to the research and appreciation of crafts and expressions of Colombian culture.

Legacy: The nominees for this category must be from the same family group. Each nominated or registered member must belong to one of the three generations (first or second degree of consanguinity). The three members must be alive and must be currently practicing the craft. They use traditional artisanal techniques and local materials in the making of their work.

Master of Masters: They must have practiced the craft for more than 30 years and be a renowned leader for their career in the crafting sector. They must have won the Craft Mastery Medal in the Traditional or Contemporary categories in previous years. Their products must represent traditional craftsmanship as it is perceived from the collective identity that evokes a land, community, and cultural heritage.