The Porco palm basket embodies the rich cultural heritage of basket weaving in southern Portugal - a craft deeply rooted in history and tradition. Each basket has a unique history, often named after the contents it once held, such as olives, figs, almonds, fish or other local produce. Made from palm leaves (Chamaerops humilis) using the traditional 'empreita de palma' technique, Porco baskets are a tribute to this ancient craft, historically practised mainly by women as a means of generating extra income by selling at local markets.
Under the guidance of palm master Vanessa Flórido, the author of Porco, I immersed myself in the cradle-to-cradle journey, learning all the stages of the empreita de palma technique. This hands-on experience fostered a deep connection with the materials and techniques.
Inspired by the iconic animal of the Algarve, the pig, a symbol deeply embedded in the rural landscape, the concept for the project took shape. To create a design that authentically reflects the cultural identity of the Algarve, it was essential to involve myself in the entire production process. In addition, the incorporation of pine legs crafted by local artisans in Alte gave the design a distinctive and contemporary flair.
