The most important traditional craft in Malta is lace making, the origin of which can be traced back to the 16th century.
Recognisable by the creamy, honey-coloured, Spanish silk from which the vast majority is made, Maltese lace can also be distinguished by the eight sided Maltese crosses that are worked into most pieces.
Said to be favoured by Queen Victoria, Malta lace was indeed featured in the Great Exhibition of 1881 in London.
Today, whilst predominately a cottage industry, the traditional craft is still taught in government trade schools as well as in special classes arranged by the Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce.
The other main craft still prevalent in Malta is filigree work in gold and silver. This traditional Maltese craft flourished under the rule of the Knights of St John and today is ubiquitous in gift shops, jewellers and craft markets across the island.
