Santa Maria
São Miguel
Terceira
Graciosa
São Jorge
Pico
Faial
Flores
Corvo
Real Estate
Handicraft
Handicraft
Scrimshaw
Works made of bone and whale tooth.
Ceramics
Common in San Miguel, in the village of Lagoa.
Miolo de Figueira
Work from fig tree pith.
Embroidery
Beautiful pieces of artwork
The repetition of old patterns and shapes and the use of local raw materials characterizes the handicraft of S. Miguel. Mats made from leaves of maize and flag, colorful dolls of maize husks representing picturesque figures in their regional costumes, artificial flowers made from fish scales, paper, cloth and feathers and wickerwork are examples of the works of art that come from practiced and skilful hands. To which must be added the linen embroideries, the hand woven counterpanes with squares, lozenges and colorful fluting and the woolen caps worn by the shepherds.
The pottery tradition in S. Miguel originated when the first inhabitants brought with them the art of clay modeling. Pottery making already has a centuries-old tradition at Vila Franca do Campo, which once had dozens of potteries in operation using clay brought by sail boats from the island of Santa Maria. Today only a few potters reproduce with their wheels the traditional shapes of bows, trays, pots, pitchers, fanciful and elegant jars and the excellent miniatures that attract collectors.
Lagoa, a pottery centre that was born in the middle of the l9th century, soon gained great fame beyond the horizons of the Azores for the decoration shapes and glazing of its pieces, The skill and art of its potters goes far beyond the utilitarian and includes statuettes and figurines, decorative vases and glazed tiles. San Miguel has a strong tradition in spinning and weaving, as all the other islands have as well. The antique weaver's looms are still used to create fabulous quilts, blankets, panels and tapestry all in the traditional colors.
