Craftsmen guilds were associations of skilled workers in specific trades during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. These groups regulated the quality of work, set standards for training, and protected the interests of their members. Each guild focused on a particular craft, such as blacksmithing, weaving, or carpentry, and often had its own rules and practices. Members of a guild typically went through a structured apprenticeship system, where they learned their trade under the guidance of a master craftsman. Guilds also played a significant role in local economies, influencing trade practices and ensuring fair competition among craftsmen in their respective fields.