Aimed at preserving the centuries-old craft techniques, the Cuban project "Weaving Dreams with Fibers" was recognized by the Regional Center for the Safeguard of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Latin America (CRESPIAL).
The initiative, which has planned actions in Viñales to preserve traditional craftsmanship from the 19th century, will be sponsored by the institution with a 5,000 dollars fund, promoter Nieves Lugo told Prensa Latina.The craftwork, made with fibers of Guaniquiqui, a plant that is abundant in the western Cuban territory, is related to tobacco, a typical crop in the region.
Production of handmade baskets to store and transport the tobacco leaves, a tradition that still cultivated at present, began centuries ago in that locality, which was designated Humankind's Cultural Landscape by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The hats used by farmers, rattles, containers to keep bottles of liquor, and furniture are crafted there, following similar traditions.
