Sardinian handicrafts: the most important fair of Sardinia will be in Mogoro
Sardinian handicrafts: in Mogoro the fair celebrating Sardinian creativity
Simplicity and originality are the main features of Sardinian handicrafts that combines past and present, tells the local tradition, art and history of the island and every year is the protagonist of the Fair of artistic craftsmanship of Sardinia in Mogoro.
The moment has come for the 59th fair of artistic Sardinian handicraft which will run from the 8th of August until the 6th of September 2020, it’s one of the most important events dedicated to Sardinian handicrafts with 91 artisans from all over the island that occupy an exhibition space of over 2500 square meters.
2020 fair, unlike previous editions, is not characterized by a specific theme but lights the spotlight on the slogan that for more than ten years accompanies the event: the thread of tradition. A thread that recalls the ancient art of weaving and ideally connects knowledge and memories that represent the creative soul of Sardinia in a balance between popular tradition and contemporary taste.
In handicrafts, objects are made entirely by hand or by using specific tools, they are not manufactured in series and, in addition to having a decorative function, they are also functional and designed to meet the needs of those who use them.
The categories that make up the magical world of Sardinian craftsmanship are different and all equally fascinating: from carved woods to elegant gold, from refined ceramics to carefully woven baskets, from precious fabrics to beautiful embroidery, through cutlery, metals, leather goods and food products
Let’s discover together something more about the different art forms that celebrate the typical materials of the ancient island of Ichnusa:
Weaving: the ancient art of weaving is linked to the history of Sardinia and the decorations that embellish fabrics, clothes, carpets, tapestries, Sacred vestments, blankets and tablecloths are in all respects the extraordinary works of art created by master craftsmen.
Wood: Among the symbolic products of the ancient art of wood carving there is the Cascia (case) or traditional Sardinian chest, made mostly with chestnut wood. It used to be used as a wedding chest to keep the bride’s trousseau and the most precious family possessions. When we talk about Sardinia and woodworking, we can also mention the famous stuffed chairs of Assemini, the biseras of Mamu, that is the traditional masks of Mamoiada and Ottana, and pipes in root or heather. Other typical objects are the cutting boards, kitchen utensils, bowls and wooden cutlery.
Metals: Sardinia is known in the world not only for its beautiful white sand beaches and the sea with a thousand shades of blue, but also for the processing of metals and, in particular, for the production of knives such as those of Gavoi, Dorgali, Desulo and Pattada. Also, the beautiful chandeliers, lamps, railings, pans and accessories for the fireplace must be mentioned.
Interweaving: interweaving is one of the oldest arts of the island and was already known in the Nuragic Age. The straw, raffia, dwarf palm, asphodel and wicker baskets, as well as being comfortable containers, are truly collector’s items.
Ceramics: Sardinian ceramics also have ancient origins. Worked on a lathe, baked in the oven and glazed with natural dyes, ceramics can have simple and linear shapes or, on the contrary, more elaborate ones. Colours and decorations vary depending on the production area. The most famous laboratories are in Assemini, Oristano, Siniscola, Dorgali, Olbia, Sassari, Cagliari and its surroundings.
Goldsmiths and silversmiths: Sardinian jewels are masterpieces, extraordinary treasures which aren’t only decorative objects and are strongly linked to the folklore of the island. Wedding rings, brooches, earrings, necklaces, pendants, rings, cufflinks, rosaries and buttons used to embellish traditional clothes, are symbols of a millenary goldsmith tradition focused on silver and gold filigree work.
Sardinian handcraft: all you need to know about the Mogoro fair
In 1961 in the small town of Mogoro in the province of Oristano, a small group of young weavers began to organize an exhibition of their carpets and tapestries. More than 50 years have passed since that event and it has now become the most important fair of Sardinian handicraft on the island.
The creations made by expert artisans shown at the fair, allow one to discover the ancient history of Ichnusa island.
The 2020 edition will have 91 exhibitors who will sell their products in a space created to welcome the public in full compliance with anti-Covid measures.
But it’s not over here because this year the organizers have also thought of a Virtual Tour that allows you to visit the exhibition in immersive mode at 360,” connecting to the website www.fieraartigianatosardegna.it.
The number of visitors admitted is limited and to access the exhibition is recommended to nook online. Simply access the site, choose the day and time of arrival, the number of visitors and record your data. The reservation will be sent to the email address indicated during registration and it’s not necessary to print it: just show it at the entrance displayed on your smartphone to access the ticket office.
The price of the tickets:
- 3.00 € – whole ticket
- 1.50 € – reduced ticket, children under 12 years old and adults over 65 and for FASI members (http://www.fasi-italia.it/)
- 5.00 € – cumulative ticket, besides visiting the fair you can also visit the archaeological site of Cuccurada
Free entrance – children under 6 and disabled people and their escort
The ticket includes:
- Visit the exhibition area
- Food and wine shop
- library
The exhibition space hosting the event is in Mogoro in Piazza Martiri Della Libertà. The fair is open from 8th of August until the 6th September 2020, every day non-stop from 10 am to 9 pm. For further information please call this number 0783 997 034 during opening hours.
