Lanzarote crafts are characterized by the scarcity of resources with which they have told the island throughout its history, although this does not mean that we can speak of a poor craft or of little interest.
The crafts of Lanzarote are intimately related to the daily, agricultural and fishing life that characterized Lanzarote until a few decades ago, since taking advantage of existing material resources (mud, palm trees, etc.) the necessary tools for clothing, cooking, work, folklore, etc. were created.
The changes in the socioeconomic structure of the Island meant a progressive loss of importance of the usefulness of craft objects, which however then acquired a relevant role as a testimony of essential ways of life to understand the Identity of the Island.</ p>
Together with these changes in traditional techniques, we must highlight the incorporation of new techniques s and raw materials that enrich the artisan practice on the Island, and that demonstrate that, as an integral part of the Cultural Heritage, the Craft changes with the Society to which it belongs.
The ceramics pieces, made of baked clay in a traditional way, are part of the most representative craft objects of Lanzarote. Although in the past, ceramic objects were built mainly to meet the needs of the peasants, currently, ceramics are used more as a decorative element, highlighting pottery or clay pots, lamps and pots made with primitive instruments or by hand.
There is also a great pottery tradition, due to its originality we must mention the figures of "the boyfriends" of "el mojón", a couple, made in clay, of people with developed sexual characteristics that were exchanged by the engaged in the past.
Traditional aboriginal clay work is done using "churros" or thick cords of clay. It begins by hollowing out a piece of clay, which is shaped until the bottom is obtained, and then the piece is formed with the clay churros, which are added with one hand while the other rotates the piece.
In some pieces you can find the addition of almagre to enhance the red tone of the piece and waterproof it, or that of a slip that provides a certain yellowish color. When the piece is finished, it is placed in the oven, although before it was cooked in a simple fire.
Currently, the oven is also used, the use of which does not undermine the quality of the designs, which range from reproductions Aborigines to ashtrays.
It is also necessary to mention the work carried out from derivatives of vegetable fibers, with which basketry work has been carried out from reed, palm, palm hearts and rye straw;
The palm tree is used to make baskets, baskets, baskets, half baskets and small baskets. With the palm leaf the empleita is obtained, which is used to make bags, mats, rugs... The heart of palm, white in color when extracted from the interior of the palm tree, is also used to make hats, bags, mats, etc.
and of course the textile field with loom work such as openwork, rosette, embroidery, crochet, lace and knitting.
Lanzarote is home to a rich textile craft with loom work such as openwork, rosettes, embroidery, crochet, lace and knitwear.
Work on a loom in the traditional way begins with the warp, when parallel threads are mounted on a tool that is placed on the loom. It is then that the shuttle is passed with the thread or wool through the warp.
The weaver, usually a woman, has a pedal system with which she raises and lowers the threads of the warp after each pass of the weft, so that they are well tightened.
With these techniques, tablecloths and centerpieces of great richness are made. In addition, embroidery and openwork are incorporated into garments such as blouses or shirts.
In this aspect of Craftsmanship, the influences that the Island has received are also shown, since openwork, for example, was introduced in the Canary Islands in the 19th century from Madeira.
And last but not least, we must mention the famous "timples", an instrument typical of Lanzarote that comes from the time of the conquerors, made in Teguise.
A pair of clay figurines in the shape of people with developed sexual characteristics that represent fertility. Formerly it was a gift exchanged by the engaged.
The best way to discover, if you have not already done so, and a more than fun plan for the weekend, is to visit the different markets and street markets on the island.
In Lanzarote markets and exhibitions are held with variable frequency in which the Island@#%s Crafts are exhibited.
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