They create precious tapestries using local natural yarns with different techniques on handlooms
Since 1978, in Mogoro (Oristano) the textile cooperative “Su Trobasciu” – “the loom” in Sardinian – is proactive in protecting and reinterpret the traditional weaving art of Sardinia. Founded by seven women led by Wilda Scanu, the cooperative continues the matrilineal tradition of the art of weaving. Originally, women wove the items in a bride’s trousseau. They created practical objects such as tablecloths and blankets, but also decorative pieces such as tapestries. Indeed, it was precisely in tapestry work that women could give full expression to their creativity. “Su Trobasciu” is a stylish and contemporary exponent of that skill, proudly bringing the tradition into the twenty-first century.
Their technical skill and sophistication, along with the careful study of tradition and expert blending of yarns, motifs, ideas, and inspirations have produced creations of inestimable value
It has injected new life into the hand-loom tradition enabling the seven weavers to bring together countless weaves and techniques. They only use natural materials, such as Sardinian wool, cotton, linen, and silk, enriched with gold and silver thread to create precious tapestries with typical motifs and patterns. Their technical skill and sophistication, along with the careful study of tradition and expert blending of yarns, motifs, ideas, and inspirations have produced creations of inestimable value. On their traditional handlooms, they use many techniques. “A bagas” is brocade wefts for tapestry. “A pibiones” is used for carpets, where wefts are embossed. Each woman starts a job and finishes it with slow and meticulous progress. For the most simple tapestries, they make 7-8 centimeters per day. While for the most complex one, their progress may be as little as 3 centimeters per day.
Su Trobasciu exhibited its crafts at leading international fairs and worked with numerous designers. It even boasts illustrious partnerships with world-famous designers, such as Patricia Urquiola. The great Spanish designer, long an admirer of weaving and knitting techniques, commissioned them some of her finest carpets. Urquiola found that the Mogoro craftswomen possess the care and precision needed to interpret her style.
Ilona Catani Scarlett