Venancio Acosta is a leading figure on the small but paradisiacal island of El Hierro. This small microcosm of pure natural wonder is the driving force that has driven this lover of his land to become a biologist, then a teacher, then a concerned politician (senator), and finally, a writer and chronicler of analytical spirit, with up to eight published books and several scientific articles in historical research journals, (not to forget his role as a businessman)
He transmits to us the example of love for the land in the Canaries, which is so similar to that cultivated in the hearts of the people of Sweden. And this affection for his land and his mother, has led him to want to know all the traditions, among them that of the artisanal production of wool, which began as a cultural rescue and has ended up becoming a passion. Not only does he master the artisanal techniques of yesteryear but he is a frequent exhibitor at textile and wool fairs and gives lectures about the wool tradition of the past.
On August 23 of this year 2024, he shared with the attendees of his last conference some interesting historical data, which are summarized below.
"After the conquest of the Canary Islands by the Castilians and Portuguese, the same merino sheep from the Iberian Peninsula arrived, which, mixed with the sheep of the enslaved and defeated aborigines (the Guanches) who had their origin in North Africa, gave rise to an indigenous breed. In 1580, wool trades were established, due to the profits generated by the work linked to wool.
In 1687, it is known that traditional sacks and bags were already being woven.
In 1776, (the famous priest, historian, biologist, writer and leading exponent of the Enlightenment in the Canary Islands, a regular at the court of King Charles III) Viera y Clavijo describes the delicately worked fabrics of blankets and saddlebags that were made on the islands and specifically in El Hierro.
Juan Antonio Urtusáustegui (enlightened Tenerifean, governor and Lieutenant Colonel), in 1785, narrated how women worked outdoors with the spinning wheel and the use.
Already at that time, looms were made of Sabina wood (today its use is prohibited, as it is a protected species) in such a way that the quality of this wood made them last for several centuries.
Dacio Darias (military man and historian) narrated already in 1900 about the production of cords with which suits and saddlebags were made.
In the 18th century, wool and crafts had acquired a lot of value so it was a time of prosperity for wool businesses.
The processes at that time to make wool were the following.
Shearing the sheep
2. washing the wool
3. unravel
4. spinning the long fibers
5. twisting
6. aspar
7. winding
8. warping in a sling and storing in braids
9. weaving and threading
10. airing in the sun to release moisture
11. lengthening and stringing it
12. making a copor for spinning
13. aspar and making the skein.
Here we show you two types of skein that Venancio produces with the native wool of El Hierro.
Thank you Venancio for sharing a bit of your knowledge with us.
See you next time!
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