Celebrating the origins of human craftsmanship
- Sonia has been working with esparto grass since 2017 and with textiles since 2008
- Weaving baskets is a mindful task
- She lives in Mijas which is a key place for basketry
With a Bachelor's degree in history and a specialisation in pre-historical history and archaeology from the Autonomous University of Madrid, Sonia Lekuona had her first academic encounter with plant fibres in the Department of Experimental Archaeology. "There, I learned how to work with them, studied the first archaeological remains of basketry left by humanity," says Sonia. "I also learned about representations depicting this craft on rocks in caves and shelters. My doctoral courses were precisely focused on the study of this rock art." Sonia now resides in Mijas, where esparto grass is the traditional fibre, especially in this White Village of Andalusia. Here, she creates pieces such as tinajeras, baskets, blinds, rugs and many more, as well as teaching the craft. "I define what I do as slow: you have to be mindful of the moment and enjoy it."
Interview
- Was anyone else an artisan in your family before you?
- My Basque grandmother and great-grandmother were involved in tailoring, transmitting their knowledge to me and I embraced the craft of esparto grass weaving in 2017. I am fortunate to be able to combine two crafts that I can now integrate at this stage of my professional career. Esparto grass work forms the foundation of my workshop, and textiles contribute colour and some techniques that I can apply to basketry.
- Do you think you chose this craft, or did the craft choose you?
- I believe the craft chose me from the beginning, but it was not the right time for me until I arrived in Mijas. This craft has been around me almost my entire life but in different ways, from my grandfather's land in Cabo de Gata (Almería) to my studies at the university, and practising professionally in Mijas.
- How important is Mijas for basketry?
- This is a craft deeply embedded in the DNA of the inhabitants of Mijas. The settlement of this town can be traced back to Phoenician times. Considering that basketry is one of the first crafts developed by humanity, with only the type of fibre varying in each location, we can affirm that Mijas has been linked to esparto grass for thousands of years.
- What is your relationship with the other craftspeople of Mijas?
- Francisco Moreno Tamayo was my master in esparto grass sewing. He taught me everything he knew for almost two years. But I have also learned from other masters, as the craft of esparto grass subdivides according to the activity: those who sew the pleitas, and those who directly make baskets with esparto grass.
Sonia Lekuona López is an expert artisan: she began her career in 1996 and she started teaching in 2019
Where
Sonia Lekuona López
