Spanish Handicrafts

 

Spanish Handicrafts are the result of different civilisations during centuries. It began in prehistoric times, interchanging experiences and goods along the Iberic Peninsula.

Each Spanish region has a big range of different traditions transmitted from ancient times. As a consequence it created many specific jobs and objects. We could outline some: pottery, leather, wood, glass-works, basket-making, weavers, lace makers, or smithing.

 

A bit of history

 

From prehistoric times, people moved around the Iberic Peninsula interchanging a lot of goods. However, from the first Christianity, the workshops were established under governmental organizations with the power to make laws around crafts.In those times, “Reales Fábricas” were created to pay tribute to the King with luxurious presents.

 

  

Real Fábrica de la Cartuja , Seville (South of Spain)

 

During Middle Ages the artisans joined making professional associatiations with the intention of protecting their interests.

Each “Comunidad Autónoma” is a territorial division, making different regions, with their own representatives. The mayority of them have their own culture and specific identity, so that some of the trades are exclusive.

Galicia

Some of the most famous crafts are the following:

1.- Sargadelos Ceramics: They make all kind of objects; from dinnerware sets to scultures and many other decorative objects.

2.- “Palilleiras” de Camariñas Working with laces is a speciality in “The Dead Coast”, close to the Atlantic Ocean.

3.- Silversmithing “Azabachería” located in Santiago de Compostela. Works made of silver and jet.

 

Another examples of handicrafts in Spain.

 

Basketmakers in the centre of Spain: Castilla-León and Extremadura regions.

Damascene work in Éibar

 

“Albercas” wooden shoes, made in Cantabria, North of Spain