Museum of Cretan Ethnology

The Museum of Cretan Ethnology has undertaken the promotion of traditional Cretan society.  You can take a tour through the museum on the internet.  "The intrinsic interest of Cretan society is obvious, given that it has preserved its typical cultural characteristics and ancient ancestral memories unchanged down the  ages in spite of 700 years of uninterrupted occupation by the Venetians and the Turks.

Includes:

Presentation of exhibits by section
Food
Architecture
Weaving
Handicrafts - manufacture - trade
Transport
Customs and traditions
Social organisation

Metalic structural elements
Structural elements of metal and wood in the Cretan house
The use of iron in Crete through the ages
The architecture of the Cretan house
Apertures of the Cretan house
Metal fittings
Production of a traditional wrought-iron object
Grilles - balcony railings
Suggestions for future use

Traditional Cretan Furniture
Brief overview of Cretan furniture
Seats and tables
Chairs
Small chairs
Armchairs
Sofas
Stools
Footstools
Benches
Tables
Storage furniture
Chests
Trunks
Wardrobes
Dressers
Other furniture
Beds
Cradles
Mirrors

Cretan textiles
Woven fabrics with geometrical decoration
Overview
Design principles
Large woven fabrics
Small woven fabrics
Analytical discussion of motifs

Traditional Cretan pottery
History of Cretan pottery
The 20th century Cretan potters
Pottery centres in Crete
Preparation of Cretan days
Cretan pottery decoration
Trade
Traditional Cretan and imported ceramics