Handicraft Oristano

Sardinia boasts an extremely varied production of handicraft, covering very different sectors. The island's ancient origins mean that local traditions and craft have developed over the centuries and today bear testimony to the different cultures which have influenced this fascinating land.

• Weaving
  The town of Mogoro stands out among the numerous places on the island known for this particular craft as one of the most important. Today skilled weavers still use ancient looms to produce fine rugs and tapestry.
  
  
  
• Baskets
  The town of San Vero Milis is noted for its production of baskets. Artisans skilfully weave together the vegetable fibres from palmets, asphodel plants and other marshland grasses to create these magnificent baskets. However, this ancient craft of grass weaving is diffused throughout the district of Oristano, in particular at Cabras. In fact, the same system was used all over the Sinis area to produce the fascinating "su fassonis", small boats made from woven reeds and rushes, which were particularly suitable for navigating on the lagoons.
  
  
  
• Artistic ceramics
  Oristano offers a vast production of ceramics, which belong to the tradition of the 'Figoli', master potters from the Oristano area, who are considered among the best on the whole island.
  
  
  
• Ironwork
  The working of iron is also a very diffused handicraft in the area, in particular at Santulussurgiu where skilled ironworkers produce fine horse tackle, such as spurs and bits, which are particularly appreciated by English and German horse riding enthusiasts. The area is also known for another fascinating artisan product, 'il Coltello di Santulussurgiu Classico'. It is a knife that has been produced entirely by hand for generations and is characterised by its splendid shape, slightly curved in the middle. It is a genuine collector's item and attracts many visitors to the area.
  
  
  
• Woodwork
  Santulussurgiu boasts skilled carpenters and cabinet-makers who are noted for the marvellous decorated chests and characteristic chairs they produce.
  
  
  
• Jewelry
  The artisan goldsmiths from Oristano are masters at creating genuine works of art in gold filigree, reproducing ancient designs. People come from all over to admire the production of Sardinia wedding rings, buttons, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and brooches. Oristano is also noted for its coral work, a craft which has ancient roots. The Phoenicians were, in fact, the first to fish for coral, which was then worked by the skilled artisans of the ancient city of Tharros.