ARTISANAL ALPUJARRA

IN this era of moving towards sustainability, “slow fashion” and handcrafted goods are increasingly popular. The rural Alpujarra of Granada has a tradition of using natural resources to create artisan products. This dates to Neolithic times, over 4,500 years ago, when primitive craftspeople made their own footwear, baskets, vessels, ceramics, and metal weapons.

Some of the old crafts remain today. The white villages nestling on the south flank of the Sierra Nevada are the perfect place to shop for ‘jarapas’ (rugs), leather goods, mimbre (wicker), woven esparto grass, ceramics, cast iron products, and more. These predominate in Pampaneira, Capileira and Bubion, which also are considered amongst Spain’s “most beautiful” villages. In the Alpujarra, you’ll also find modern products made from natural fibres. These include cotton bags, hats and cushion covers, customised preloved clothes, Macarame crafts, handmade, and handdyed garments.

COLOURFUL ‘JARAPAS’

Passed down through the generations, the tradition of weaving Alpujarran rugs can be traced back to Muslim times. Historically, weaving was mainly done in the winter when crops required less work. The resulting ‘jarapas’ are thick, colorful, woven products that can be used as rugs, bedspreads, blankets, or wall hangings. In the past, old clothes went on the weaving loom but, today, wool and cotton are used.