The craft of Fuerteventura, like the rest of the activities of its population, is closely linked to the dynamics of the historic island society, or what is the same, the processes of social change and continuity. In relation to these processes, we can classify the craft currently being developed on the island in three ways: originated in the aboriginal society, developed in the period posconquista and crafts modern or creative that has been incorporated in recent decades.
Regarding the first, emphasizes production pottery that the ancient inhabitants of Fuerteventura, Majid, introduced from North Africa. The aboriginal pottery, manufactured by hand by women without the use of molds or around, is characterized by owning funds with ovoid forms conical or flat surface and be decorated with incisions representing various reasons straight, points, etc.. In his preparation is used mud, sand, water and raddle that make up the basic raw materials and beach pebbles, bones and other utensils designed to give the final finish to the pieces, mainly Tofi and various pottery ovoid with incised decoration. Subsequently, once dry the pieces is their cooking outdoors in a type of oven, consisting of a shallow cavity made on the floor, which introduced the pieces placed on a background of firewood, cover then branches thicker and slower combustion.
Regarding the craft developed in the period posconquista, or traditional handicrafts, there is a greater variety of trades and crafts typologies closely linked to the economy of subsistence agricultural-pastoral and / or fishing. Some of the crafts included in this modality, such as traditional pottery, developing objects vegetable fibres and leather tanning for the manufacture of household utensils like zurrones, have a more or less depending on the craft close to concerned with the craft aboriginal. Among these stresses traditional pottery that preserves the main techniques, raw materials and tools aborigines, while it is adapted to new types introduced by alien populations. Other craft respond fully to the arrival of these populations to the island and the incorporation of new raw materials, types and techniques. Among this subgroup include weaving, tinsmithery, traditional carpentry, carving wood and stone and the development of draughts. The latter has been, without doubt, the highest recognition and has gained prestige in the international market.
Lastly, and in the context of socio-economic changes, political and demographic in recent decades, we find craft new entrants that have led to the so-called modern or creative crafts. Inspired by the particularity of the territory-island scenery, shade, symbols, etc. .- and the use of old and new raw materials-mud, natural dyes, gold, silver, wax and various metals and fabrics, creative nature of this craft gives greater diversity and specificity of the whole island crafts, contributing in this way to their enrichment.
The crafts described can be purchased at various outlets which manages the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, as well as in their own craft workshops where, moreover, may be contacting the craftsman, make specific assignments and learn first hand their craft.
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