Case turistiche Sardinia Ovest

As the rest of Sardinia, this area is rich in local crafts which are all very valuable and appreciated.Oristano, the city of ceramics, in 1920 already had an art school, where in the beginning only everyday objects, very practical and functional, were produced. Later on, though, space was given also to a wide range of modern items. Nowadays, there is an important laboratory, as well as some private shops where you can admire fine ceramics, and also make nice purchases.

An "hidden" art which is handed down from mother to daughter, but which is unfortunately gradually getting lost, is the ceremonial bread, linked to the rituals of religion and the life of the peasant families and with an auspicious meaning. The bread is patiently handled by expert hands to become works of art, in the shape of bridal bouquets, crowns of flowers, branches, baskets, leaves and birds.

Samugheo is a village with a great textile tradition, famous and qualified at a regional level. Since time immemorial women work with the loom to create beautiful handicrafts for everyday use which in the past were also brought as a dowry. Tablecloths, towels and rugs were traditionally ecru and white with classic designs, while today they can also be embroidered with pastel colors and with more modern designs.

Another ancient tradition, closely linked to the agricultural and pastoral life, is the clasp knife called "sa leppa", usually used in the typical Sardinian "snacks". You can find them in different shapes depending on the area and the most famous ones are the “Arburese” and the “Pattadese”. They can easily be purchased in craft stores and at trade fairs and exhibitions. Between late July and early August there is "Is Arresojas", the international exhibition of Sardinian blades, in the mining village of Montevecchio, where different manufacturers bring their personal collections, and they also host amateurs and experts from other regions of the world.

The filigree landed in Sardinia in the fifteenth century with the Spanish, but its origin is still uncertain and definitely more ancient: the first discoveries date back to more than 3,000 years BC. This unique manufacturing, however, has reached its peak on the island, where the traditional jewels are made by sophisticated and skilled craftsmen, who hand down a long experience. The jewels that more typically represent the tradition are the Sardinian rings, that have different characteristics from town to town, and the rich buttons, that can be found on the gorgeous male and female costumes.

A poorer but still very curious tradition is that of the baskets and panniers. Oristano does not lack in raw materials, because it is rich in the lake plants used in the art of weaving. Rush, wicker, asphodel, raffia, wheat straw are all manufactured by skilled hands to create rustic containers for food or handicrafts to be displayed as an ornament. Some types of baskets, decorated with a central inlay of red brocade, are in great demand and very rare.