Wickerwork

Along the many creeks in the island’s humid regions, willow grows... and grows. Throughout the first months of the year the farmers harvest the willow rods, which are then peeled and bundled. To provide extra flexibility in the rods they are boiled in huge troughs of water. Then begins the time-consuming and skilled labour of transforming the willow rods into wonderful objects of furniture, baskets and animal figurines of astounding beauty.

This industry had its origin in 1850, in Camacha, a parish is where the largest production of wicker-based products is still concentrated today. Since the earliest days on the island this industry has been producing goods for agricultural and household requirements, children often learning from their parents.

There are many factories today producing quality wickerwork that are on display for the tourist shoppers - which can be seen in the making. This really is an amazing sight to watch - as objects are often intricately crafted, not only with hands and feet but also sometimes with the teeth.

If you are interested in purchasing wickerwork craft, large items can be sent directly to your home by most businesses, since nowadays most of the production is destined for export, mainly to the United States and Central Europe.