I PARCHI LETTERARIŪ IN CALABRIA “JOURNEYS TO THE FUTURE
OF MEMORY” - CALABRIAN ARTISANSHIP
Calabrian artisanship has ancient roots in
Mediterranean civilisations, and above all in that of
Magna Graecia from which it descends. From here, the
obvious diversity of Calabrian artisan products can be
seen in their aesthetics, techniques and functions.
In many places throughout the region, the sea, the towns
of Aspromonte and region of Le Serre, as well as in
Sila, it is easy to stumble upon catojos, which are used
as artisan workshops where local craftspeople create
their products today as they did in the past with the
same tools that were used two thousand years ago.
The art of weaving is perhaps the one that has
the most ancient origins in Calabria and in the towns of
its hinterland, it is still possible to watch weavers at
work. In Bianco, Gerace and almost all of the towns of
the Locride, there are a number of artisan activities
that involve the looms of Pardesca, but there is also
the deep-rooted tradition of the weaving of broom fabric,
which is characteristic of San Luca and the communities
of Greek origin of the Aspromonte. The beechwood looms
are sumptuous and monumental, the raw materials are
sometimes unusual, but the results produced by the
Calabrian weavers are among the most artistic and valued
throughout the world. There is also the production of
valuable tapestries, embroideries, pillow lace, silks
and damasks.
The most interesting ceramics and terra cotta
products are those that best express the roots of
the Mediterranean civilisation, and most of all, that of
Magna Graecia, from which it descends indirectly, and
these items can be found in the workshops of Bagnara
Calabra, Gerace and Locri, in the Province of Reggio
Calabria, Sibari in the Province of Cosenza and
Squillace, in the Province of Catanzaro.
The artisan traditions of wrought iron and copper
still exist today in Serra San Bruco, gold and Silver in
Crotone, glassworks in Bagnara, wicker and straw in
Soriano Calabro, Delianuova, San Giorgio Morgeto, Vibo
Valentia, Polistena, Gallico and Cosenza, each with its
own peculiar characteristics.
In Melissa and Brognatauro local master artisans use the
roots that are taken from the erica arborea plant and
transform this precious root from the Aspromonte region
to create collectible smoking pipe masterpieces.
Musical instruments open up yet another chapter.
The De Bonis Brothers’ company stands out for the
quality of its products and their lute making skills.
Unfortunately, the artisan crafts of guitar making in
Delianuova and the manufacture of bagpipes in San
Giorgio Morgeto have declined over the years. In San
Luca and Platė, the creation of reed flutes still
flourishes.
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