Craft
Craft - Daniela Spoto 2023, © CCIAA NU

Craft

The Nuorese boasts a unique, distinctive craft tradition that reflects the history, culture and identity of its populace.

Olzai, basket maker, 1950s 20th century
Olzai, basket maker, 1950s 20th century - © Marianne Sin-Pfältzer, Archivio Ilisso

Contrary to popular belief, craft is not rooted solely in practical needs, but often has a sacred motivation as well, which is an important aspect to consider when analysing its origins.

Nuoro, Museo del Costume. Blanket, Sarule, late century. XIX
Nuoro, Museo del Costume. Blanket, Sarule, late century. XIX - © Archivio Ilisso

One fundamental feature noted by scholars is the repeated use of the same decorative motifs, almost as if to emphasise the original symbols, a shared alphabet that seems to allude to a native heritage, which is particularly persistent in craft.

Dorgali, knives (resorza durgalesa)
Dorgali, knives (resorza durgalesa) - © Archivio Ilisso

Jewellery, pottery, fabric, metal, wood and much more is often decorated with geometric motifs. 
In the past, these objects were mainly made for the local market, adapted to a simple, traditional lifestyle that became obsolete in European modernity. 

After the Unification of Italy, the Nuorese, and more generally all of Sardinia, was faced with a process of cultural standardisation that it managed to resist until the 1950s, then gradually adapting itself to the internationalisation that marked the transition to the third millennium.

Oliena, Municipal Library. Bench, 1920s 20th century Francesco Ciusa
Oliena, Municipal Library. Bench, 1920s 20th century Francesco Ciusa - © Archivio Ilisso