Two artisans from Santarém, located in western Pará, received national recognition for the work they execute using elements and techniques of Amazonian culture. Jefferson Paiva de Sousa, from Arte Tapajônica, and Neida Maria Pereira Rego, from Trançado dos Arapiuns, are among the three representatives from Pará chosen in the sixth edition of the TOP 100 Handicraft Award.
This award covers one hundred artisanal production units throughout Brazilian territory, evaluating aspects such as item quality, manufacturing methods, activity management, and craft sustainability.
Jefferson, who is a ceramist, creates pieces inspired by Tapajônica culture, incorporating elements that allude to the history and peoples who inhabited the area. Neida, on the other hand, specializes in the Trançado dos Arapiuns, a traditional handicraft technique belonging to the knowledge of the Baixo Tapajós region.
The products made by both artisans are available at tourist spots in Santarém, such as the Tapajós Cristo Rei Handicraft Center and the Tourist River Terminal, allowing visitors to learn about and purchase pieces produced by artisans from the municipality and neighboring communities.
Recognition
For Jefferson Paiva, inclusion in the list means the recognition of years of dedication to handicrafts and the appreciation of Tapajônica culture. He expressed great satisfaction and gratitude, stating that this achievement symbolizes the recognition of his effort, creativity, and love for Santarém culture.
The ceramist emphasized that the award has the potential to increase the visibility of his work in Santarém and generate new professional opportunities. According to him, national recognition adds value to Tapajônica pieces and the history each one carries, strengthening the credibility of his craft in the market.
Emanuel Júlio Leite, municipal Secretary of Tourism, commented that highlighting these two artisans also serves to promote Santarém's culture. He emphasized that having two Santarém artisans among the three representatives from Pará in a national competition demonstrates the identity, creativity, and quality of local craftsmanship.
Ceremony
The awards ceremony is scheduled for November 11th at 6 p.m. at the Centro Sebrae de Referência do Artesanato Brasileiro (CRAB), located in Praça Tiradentes, downtown Rio de Janeiro. In the following days, November 12th and 13th, the winners will participate in a business meeting at the same location.
The TOP 100 Handicraft Award, established in 2006, aims to identify one hundred artisanal production units across the country. The selected participants receive national recognition and are permitted to use the award seal for a period of three years. The selection highlights the work done by Santarém artisans and the production linked to the knowledge and culture of the Tapajós region.