The baskets of large wicker

The handmade basket work is an important part of the local economy, especially in the village of Alcongosta. It serves as an alternate income, especially during the time of harvesting.

In Alcongosta, the traditional weaving process of baskets of large wicker uses chestnut tree shoots as weaving strands. This traditional wicker work uses a set of tools and techniques that are passed down from generation to generation. The baskets are handmade, from the selection and cut of the shoots, to transforming the strands into weaving wicker, and finally to the weaving of the basket.

The basket makers of Alcongosta would travel to the region’s markets and fairs to sell their functional craftswork. They would sell various types of containers and other household objects: baskets, panniers, hampers and cots.