ABSTRACT
Evidence of the involvement of the Franks in various crafts is known from contemporary sources and has come to light through the study of finds from excavations. These were mainly crafts which the Franks had developed or brought from the West, while traditional crafts remained largely in the hands of local craftsmen. There is no decisive evidence at present for Frankish involvement in the ceramics industry. With the possible exception of thirteenthcentury Cyprus and Port St Symeon near Antioch, ceramic production was carried out by non-Franks.1 The same is true of metalwork and textiles. The dyeing industry and glass manufacture appear to have been the province of Jews. It would seem that most objects of Western or Christian design were made for the Frankish market by non-Franks.
