‘The cows’ little bottle’. The art of esparto

Mural dedicated to esparto craftsmanship

This mural depicts Vicente Fernández practising the art of esparto weaving, an almost forgotten craft that is still practised, mainly by older people, who witnessed its rise and fall following the advent of the plastic age. From the 16th century until the mid-20th century, it was the main local industry in many Spanish villages; this plant was already used by the Romans, who were the first to recognise its high strength. Esparto is obtained from various wild plants of the grass family and is harvested between July and August for use in the traditional craft of basket-weaving and by master esparto weavers. Vicente is known as ‘El Latero’ because of his main occupation in days gone by: selling milk.