Esparto has been part of our life and our history. This natural fiber, hard and strong, has served humanity in all its versions. We only have to go to the Archaeological Museum of Madrid to see the first esparteñas that date back 7,000 years and are still there… in fashion.
Recently, I met by chance one of the best esparto artisans in Spain, Pedro Antonio Blanco, National Craftsmanship Award 2025, sixth generation of esparto makers and from Ube. I was speeding down Real Street in Úbeda when I stopped dead when I saw some birds and some natural fiber jewelry in a shop window, how pretty! I can’t help it, I like what is done with my hands better. I stuck my nose inside the local “Ubedíes” and my shock was to find myself in a store-museum dedicated to esparto grass. There you will find the famous openwork carpets, made with a technique that was born in this city and dates back to the 11th century, baskets, blinds, animal heads, sculptures and all kinds of elements that were previously used in everyday life. Pedro told me many things, that he had been a soldier, 5 years in the legion, which gave him great discipline; who studied art and topography; who teaches classes throughout Spain; that his pieces have been paraded on the best fashion catwalks and that above all he defends the craft so that it is not lost, despite its hardness. It must be taken into account that esparto is worked most of the time on the ground, with 15 centimeter needles, so punctures and cuts are common.
As an artisan, beyond the recognition and applause, he claims to bring craftsmanship to the classrooms, to, among other things, help children and young people connect their manual skill and dexterity with their brain (many adults would also benefit from it); and a regulated training that guarantees a trade that is on the verge of extinction… it is in everyone’s hands to ensure that it survives.