Traditional knowledge and transformations in the sewing craft of the seamstress in their renovation workshops in the municipality of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

The study focuses on the knowledge of seamstresses who reform and customize garments in the city of Viçosa (Minas Gerais). The article analyses the acquisition of their traditional knowledge and the changes brought about from learning and using new technologies, and machines. A survey was conducted with seamstresses who work in sewing ateliers in downtown Viçosa, who are mothers heads of families, and who learned their trade through a member of their family. It is understood in this study that there is a transmission of knowledge, generally between women of the same family, so that women can sew in the domestic sphere and also obtain an income through sewing as a profession. The findings shows that the trade continues being passed from generation to generation, although there is not a wide range of new adepts, it is still exercised following a market logic, where in addition to profit, personal and professional satisfaction is sought.

KEYWORDS: Knowledge, Culture, Work, Seamstress.

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