Wicker

Wickers have their origin in a tree known as wicker, which has the particularity that, when pruned annually, it can produce thin flexible stems which, after being cut, are cooked in an iron cauldron and finally peeled. Then, they can be used by craftsmen, in the production of a wide variety of objects, from a small bread basket to a large rocking chair and other equally complex pieces of furniture.

Although the manufacture of objects such as baskets and other domestic utensils had already been done at the time of colonization, it was not until the middle of the 19th century that this industry was assumed as a reference, with the renovation and improvement of manufacturing techniques, carried out by W. Hinton and the Madeiran António Caldeira.

What was once a reference industry on Madeira Island, it is currently limited to a few craftsmen who produce items essentially aimed at tourism.