Wood, cork, leather, copper, esparto … Cádiz is a reference point for handmade tradition and work with natural and native products of the area. This is because, in addition to producing the raw material, it is a place where tradition has endured from father to son. Especially in the towns and rural areas, where manual work has been practically intact. Here we show you some handicrafts that you should know and buy if you visit these places and want to make a commemorative gift or souvenir. Forget magnets and shot glasses. Be original and give crafts.
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Wood and cork
In many towns in Cádiz they work with wood and cork. It is the most ecological, biodegradable and environmentally friendly material. Thanks to the fact that in the Alcornocales Natural Park and some other areas of the Sierra de Cádiz the tradition of uncorking and working with the natural resources of the area in a controlled manner is maintained. In one of these towns, there are great professionals who make guitars as they have done traditionally. There are also many who make incredible quality furniture by hand. As a curiosity in Alcalá del Valle, they made furniture miniatures for models and games of dollhouses.
Leather works
Leather goods is a form of treatment, care and work on animal skin, generally cow. The leather work generally divided into three parts: preparation or pickling, refining and finishing. Its name is due to the fact that Moroccan artisans were the most skilled in this art. As a curiosity, this trade was of great importance in the Roman Empire, since leather used to cover the parts of the body that were not protected by armor. Currently, it is a very functional and practical material, it is used for anything: jewelry, purse, wallet, clothing …
Ceramic and clay
Ceramics and clay are techniques for making objects that are as old as they are versatile. You can find absolutely everything obtained by ceramic and clay. Here in Cádiz it used a lot, in addition to handmade tradition and cultural, because it was the cheapest way to obtain things such as jugs, vases, bowls, plates … Ceramics usually used by means of molds and a high temperature, while clay molded by hand with a lathe and with cooler ovens.
Esparto, wicker and cane
The work of natural fibers, of different plants and textures. It is a technique almost as old as humanity itself. It used long before leather and they make everything. From baskets to store food such as sandals or espadrilles to walk protected. This technique has evolved over the years. Now he focuses on creating bags and shoes. Both become very popular in summer and fashion magazines and streets become full of bags, shoes, heels and even hats. As a curiosity, in the most traditional houses cane and esparto used as blinds, because it really keeps the house cooler.
Crochet hooks, blankets and shawls
Like the natural fibers that we have discussed previously, working with fabrics and wool has been very important in the province of Cádiz. There are centuries-old traditions of visiting villages through the best artisans and artists in wool and shawls. For example: when a woman got married, her family visited to the villages to create the wedding trousseau, with towels, blankets … It is also traditional to make shawls that they later painted by hand for flamenco artists or people who They dressed in Sevillian at the fair or the dew. Paintings that are works of art, depicting floral ornaments, places, and even people.
At Alsherry Experiences, we want our clients to fully immerse themselves in the culture and handmade tradition of our province. For this reason, we put our consultation service and design of personalized tours so that, with what has interested you most, we can show you first-hand how to live through works that have been carried out since time immemorial. You will be able to feel part of the history of Cádiz.