This work aims at producing examples of handcraft semantic repertoire in connection to indigenous folklore manufactured products. Research results might be useful for the design of regional folklore based products, giving them a better identity. A methodology based on a visual approach is used to observe and categorize evidences from a set of photographic images. It was found that manufactured product design reinforces meanings related to the original craftwork like their rough materials, manual production process and techniques. Little care is taken of innovative design induced procedures to allow large scale production. Given that, this paper explores in greater depth aspects related to functional and geometric characteristics of manufacture craftwork like products, stressing its esthetics, symbolic and artistic values imbedded in their Brazilian regional folklore semantic repertoire. A greater emphasis on the use of those design resources is suggested as a route for identity construction, lifestyle reinforcement, values expression and cultural dissemination by both producers and clients.
design; craftwork; visual approach
