HANDICRAFT IN SARDINIA

The insularity of Sardinia has meant that the island's unique characteristics and ancient traditions have been preserved through the centuries and today remain almost uncontaminated. Sardinian handicraft boasts ancient roots and the beauty of the objects produced for everyday use lies in their simplicity and the individual personality of a handmade work of art.

Ceramics, rugs and tapestries, knives, baskets and precious jewellery are just a few of the products which best characterise Sardinian handicraft.

The rugs, blankets, shawls, tapestries, curtains, woollen or fine linen cushion covers are all hand made on enormous oak looms and are characterised by classical motifs inherited from Byzantine art.

They are dyed with natural colours made from infusions of herbs, berries, roots, but also minerals and different types of soil with colouring properties.

Weaving represents an important tradition on the island and the magnificent baskets are the expression of the artisans' creativity and skill, which have been passed down from one generation to the next over the centuries.

The raw materials used by the basket weavers include reeds, asphodel and palm leaves, willow and lentisk trees, as well as straw.

Carpentry

Carpentry has always been a very important handicraft in Sardinia and the island is particularly renowned for its production of beautifully carved, wooden chests, made from chestnut, durmast or walnut trees.

The unique, wooden masks of the "Mamuthones" and of the "Merdules" (traditional figures from Sardinia's ancient past) are particularly interesting and can be admired at the Carnival of Mamoiada e Ottana.