Description
The “empreita” is nothing more than a ribbon of interlaced palm, made from an abundant plant element in the region – the dwarf palm (“Chamaerops humilis”), also called the broom palm.
The palm enterprise arose from the need to pack figs, almonds and locust beans for transport; It then began to be used in other everyday objects, in fishing, and for decorative purposes. The mat became popular due to the lack of furniture in the humblest dwellings.
The palm leaves, before being used in the enterprise, must be harvested between June and September, air-dried and separated according to their thickness. The best quality leaves are then subjected to a sulfur bath to lighten and, if necessary, dyed. The undertaking is divided into several phases: initially, the palm leaves are braided until the desired object is formed; then, the ends generated in the previous process are cut; then the piece is ironed; and finally, the piece is sewn using wet palm thread.