The Algarve’s endemic plant materials have ancestrally been used for multiple purposes drawing on ingenious techniques suited to the intended purpose.

Rudimentary equipment or support tools are commonly used in handiwork of this nature. A "stone loom" is used to create the mats, which were used to dry fruits. It consists of a hanging beam supported by two racks, on which small bundles of fibre (in this case, the cattail) are placed, and four stones serve as bobbins to weave the strands together.

This is a dynamic and straightforward activity, in which the participant will get the chance to weave a small place mat.

Artisan
Ana Silva

Participants
Max. 6 people

Duration
2h

Languages
Portuguese
English
Spanish

Observation
Children aged 11+ must be enrolled and can participate as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

Enrolment required