Working with Esparto, by Daniela Monteiro Torres (ANDOR Studio)
Esparto (Stipa tenacissima) is a perennial grass native to the arid and semi-arid regions of the Mediterranean. Traditionally used in both craft and industrial applications, it is valued for its mechanical properties, namely its high tensile strength, flexibility, and biodegradability. The use of this plant fibre is deeply rooted in ancestral cultural practices, where the handmade creation of utilitarian and decorative objects embodies technical knowledge and a close relationship with the natural environment.
In this course, esparto is approached as a sustainable raw material, aligned with the principles of the circular economy and low-impact production. Through a hands-on and immersive approach, participants will explore traditional techniques of weaving, twisting, and manual shaping, which are particularly applied to the making of handcrafted brooms, among other pieces.
he methodologies taught are based on knowledge passed down orally and through intergenerational practice, combining empirical understanding, manual skill, and aesthetic sensitivity. The technical process of preparing esparto is addressed in relation to the creation of different pieces, always ensuring its pliability, structural cohesion, and functional durability.
The artisanal weaving of hand brooms is a practice that requires technical precision and meticulous attention to detail, while also embodying an inherent aesthetic dimension. Beyond their functional value as household tools, these pieces carry cultural, ecological, and symbolic meanings, reflecting a conscious relationship between the object, its environment, and its user.
Mastering these techniques not only enables the creation of durable and compostable artefacts but also contributes to the preservation and reinterpretation of intangible heritage, making it relevant within the contemporary context of sustainable design, the appreciation of natural materials, and the redefinition of modes of production and consumption.
Written by instructor Daniela Monteiro Torres, ANDOR Studio. Join us in March 2026 and register here for the workshop on crafting and shaping plant fibers.