Plaited palm leaves and reeds

Two of the main craft activities in the Algarve are matting, which consists of thin, coiled palm leaves plaited in different styles (traditionally carried out by women), and basketry, which is a technique of interweaving reeds and wicker (almost totally done by men).

Matting, or “empreita” (short of “empreitada” which means “task work” in Portuguese), got its Portuguese name because in earlier times, payment was made according to the quantity of matting produced in a day.  The Barrocal area is famous for this industry as the palm, a species of dwarf palm, grows in nearby woods.  Loulé is the centre par excellence for this craft and produces doormats, carpets, fire fans, flat baskets and hats.

More typical of riparian areas such as Serra de Monchique and Vale do Guadiana where reeds grow freely, practical items made from basketry are produced, such as egg baskets, mats for drying fruits and fish traps for the fishing industry.

Baskets vary from region to region.  Those produced in Monchique are made in original styles and colours; those from Vila Real de Santo António are round with a lid, while those produced in Odeleite, made from wicker or reed, are practical for storing fruit and river fishing.