Cyprus Arts & Crafts The artistic heritage of Cyprus is a reflection of the island�s history and traditions that have endured for centuries. It comes through proudly in lacework and embroidery, pottery and woodwork, and jewellery. The government has actively strived to preserve local craftworks since 1975, with the establishment of the Cyprus Handicraft Service. There is a large Cyprus Handicraft Centre in Lefkosia and official crafts shops as well as folk art museums in Lefkosia, Lemesos, Larnaka and Pafos. Cypriot lacework is prized for its quality and artistry. The village of Lefkara is particularly well-known for its embroidery, called Lefkaritika. Embroidered lace, worked on off-white linen or cotton, makes for highly decorative tablecloths, curtains, doilies, placemats and dresser sets. A speciality of Pafos district is Foitiotika, fabric embroidered with geometric designs. Lefkonitziatika features bright stripes, while Alatjia, also striped, is more finely woven with a silky sheen. Pottery has been made in Cyprus continuously for thousands of years. Attractive pots come in all shapes and sizes. Terra cotta pieces with white decorations, copies of museum pieces, are popular gifts, as are copper wares, handpainted gourds and handmade baskets, and jewellery with motifs from antiquity. Pine dowry chests, or sendoukia, are decorated with religious and nature symbols, and can be special ordered at official crafts shops.