Moutoullas revives the art of “skafi” making

“Skafi” is a traditional Cypriot  kitchenware carved out of pine wood which was used for making bread, and was an essential kitchen item one expected to find in each household throughout Cyprus. To this day, the only people who specialise in the art of Skafi making reside in Moutoullas alone. This is because the process of carving a skafi requires a number of special skills and those were traditionally passed from generation to generation within the same family. The people specialising in skafi making are called “skafarides” and their livelihood used to depend solely on the making and selling of “skafes”.
 
The work of Skafi making is a unique and important part of Cypriot Heritage, and in 2020 it was recognised as such by the National Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO. In an effort to preserve the art of skafi making, the Community Council of Moutoullas, in collaboration with the Association of emigrants and friends of Moutoullas, and Troodos Development Company have organised an event focused on the importance of skafi making in Cypriot culture and history. The event has been kindly sponsored by the Minister of Education, Sport and Youth, Mrs Athena Michaelidou who will honor us with her presence on the day.
 
The event will start at 11am and will last until the late afternoon. It will include an informative talk on the art of Skafi making by Mr Feidias Kountouri, academic researcher and author of a book based on the history of Moutoullas, followed by a demonstration of Skafi making by one of the most skilled skafarides (i.e. skafi makers) of our community. Demonstrations of how skafes were used in the older years, as well as how we can use them today will also be available, and the participants will have the opportunity to buy their own handmade skafi should they wish to. A photography exhibition will be available in the area dedicated of course on the history of skafi making, and the event will also include a Cypriot traditional dance show and live music.
 
Please note that food and drinks will be available in the event on charge.

Venue: 
MOUTOULLAS COMMUNITY COUNCIL
Markou Drakou 3, 2866 NICOSIA
Phone number: +357 22952677
Fax number: +357 22952290
E-mail: [email protected]

Start date/End date: 28 May 2023

Start time/End time:  11:30 –16:00

Entrance Price/Τicket: Free Entrance
 

Event Website and/or Organiser Website:  https://moutoullas.com.cy
 

Organiser Contact Details
Name: Troodos Development Company, Moutoullas Community Council,
Association of expatriates and friends of Moutoullas , Association of
volunteers and friends of Moutoullas
Telephone: 22952677
Email: [email protected]
Postal Address: Markou Drakou 3,2866 Moutoullas