Tradition, hand-woven: Sardinian baskets

Arts and crafts and handicrafts continue to have a long tradition in Sardinia, which is still passed down from generation to generation in many villages. A particularly impressive example of traditional Sardinian craftsmanship are the artistically woven baskets made from plant fibres, which are admired and collected all over the world. According to tradition, the weaving technique was brought to Sardinia by monks of the Order of Saint Anthony from Egypt when they immigrated to Sardinia in the 7th century. Sardinian baskets therefore have an eventful history.

Sorso and Sennori, centres of Sardinian basket weaving

In northern Sardinia, this venerable craft is particularly cultivated in the neighbouring villages of Sorso and Sennori. Here, baskets with or without lids are still made today using traditional methods. These containers were used for transporting or storing food such as bread, sweets or fruit, and items such as wool and sewing kits. Flour sieves were and still are made by the skilled artisans from these two villages.

World-famous Sardinian baskets and a basket museum: Castelsardo

Not far from Sorso and Sennori lies the coastal town of Castelsardo. The baskets produced there are among the world's best-known Sardinian handicrafts.

All baskets made by Sardinian artisans are produced strictly according to traditional patterns and rules. The most common shapes are spiral and cross. The material can vary, as the craftsmen use local plants for weaving. In the Anglona region, for example, baskets used to be woven only from cereal stalks, seaweed and palm leaves. Containers for agricultural use or for shepherds were made from wood-like materials, e.g. olive, myrtle or willow branches.

Historical examples of Sardinian basket weaving can be admired in the Museo dell'intreccio Mediterraneo, located in the Castello dei Doria in Castelsardo. The museum houses not only baskets from Sardinia, but also pieces from all over Italy.

Sardinian arts and crafts: an early example of ‘form follows function’

In Sardinia, many artisans are affiliated with ISOLA (Sardinian Institute for the Organisation of Arts and Crafts). ISOLA operates several exhibition and sales rooms throughout the island, where you are guaranteed to find only genuine Sardinian arts and crafts.

Sardinian handicrafts arose less from an aesthetic perspective than from the needs of the rural population. After all, what use would useless ornaments be to a people of shepherds and mountain farmers? This is one reason why Sardinian handicrafts are still characterised by their functionality. They reflect the wild beauty and unique charm of Sardinian culture.

The Sardinians demonstrate great taste and originality in their use of materials. Over time, the patterns and shapes of Sardinian baskets have become increasingly diverse. Sardinian arts and crafts combine tradition with a natural sense of aesthetics and the idiosyncrasies of the island's inhabitants. Only materials typical of the region are used.

In the villages and markets, you can buy hand-woven baskets that are characteristic of the respective region.

On a trip to Sardinia, you can discover many treasures of Sardinian handicrafts. The woven baskets are just one of them, and there is much more to explore and tell.

With a Sardinian ‘Adiosu’, Joachim Waßmann bids farewell for today.

Joachim Waßmann