Guía de Artesanos de La Vega de San Mateo
In the book "San Mateo: Experiences of a People," various trades that have disappeared, such as blacksmithing and coppersmithing, are mentioned, as well as those that are still in existence, such as lace-makers, spinners, etc.
"Other trades that are almost forgotten are those of weavers and spinners. The latter survive thanks to their determination to preserve them, as a testament to our artisan culture..."
Source: "San Mateo: Experiences of a Town"
Author: Naranjo Monzón Domitila
Craftsmanship: A Missing Trade or an Economic Resource?" It is noted that Vega de San Mateo is a municipality that has had a large number of artisans in the past, either from the area or from other municipalities to market their products and sell them to other sectors of activity that demand them. This artisan boom in the area is mainly due to the municipality's geostrategic location, its agricultural and livestock character, and the development of some of the most important fairs and markets on the island.
Source: "An Approach to the Economic History of a Rural Area in Vega de San Mateo"
Author: Naranjo Santana Mari Carmen
Manuel Gil Naranjo: Knifemaker.
Workshop founded in 1975. The products produced are Canarian knives of various sizes and letter openers. The materials used are steel, brass, nickel silver, horn, silver, gold, wood, ivory, and more. Traditional techniques are used. Preparation of the pieces, inlaying, assembly, and polishing are, among others, the most important steps. Custom work is available.
Cueva Grande 5, Cod. Post. 35320. Vega San Mateo. Tel.: 928664017
Antonio Gil Naranjo: Miniaturist.
Workshop founded in 1980. It produces products such as gofio mills, small tables, lecterns, implements, miniature Canarian knives, copperware, display stands, etc. The manufacturing techniques are entirely manual. First, the templates are made; then the pieces are cut, polished and finished, assembled, glued, and final treated. Specific woodworking techniques are used for the various steps. Custom work available.
La Higuera 42, Cod. Post. 35320. Vega de San Mateo. Tel.: 928661798
Ana Mª Henríquez Jiménez: Spinner.
A traditional wool craftswoman, a trade inherited from her ancestors, who provided the population with all their clothing. She follows the entire wool harvesting process, from harvesting during traditional cattle shearing, to carding, spinning, and garment making. She makes the following products: jackets, leggings, blankets, shepherd's capes, etc.
El Chorrillo 35, Post Code 35320. Vega San Mateo. Tel.: 928660748
José Carlos Lorenzo Santana: Furniture Restorer.
He learned the trade from his father and grandfather. This workshop was founded in 1989. He restores antique furniture, dolls, and more. The process is carried out step by step using traditional techniques such as stripping and bleaching, gluing, sanding, filling, consolidating, and generally all those operations that allow us to maintain and restore the original beauty of an object. Custom production.
Acequía Marrero 18, Postal Code 35320. Vega San Mateo. Tel.: 928660758
Arístides Martín Barrasa: Ceramist.
Workshop founded in 1994. It produces products for decorative, tourist, and personal use. It uses materials specifically designed for ceramics and uses a variety of production techniques (porcelain, stoneware, traditional engobe decoration, etc.). It is particularly concerned with ecology and environmental protection. Products are produced in limited quantities and on order. Sales are island-wide.
El Pasito 22, Post Code 35320, Vega San Mateo. Tel.: 928660895.
Jesus Aníbal Rodríguez Medina: Toymaker.
Workshop founded in 1990, although it began its trade in La Palma. Participation in local, island, and regional fairs. The toys it makes are made with wood, recycled products, and eco-friendly paints and varnishes. The manufacturing process begins with templates and finally the assembly, resulting in toys that can be assembled and disassembled. Limited production and by order.
Subida al Piquillo 33, Post Code: 35320. Vega de San Mateo. Tel.: 928642818
Efigenia Sánchez Armas and Julián Torres Valbuena: Cardboard Paper Handler.
Since 1979, he has dedicated himself almost exclusively to the construction and manipulation of paper and cardboard objects, developing the technique as a self-taught artist. The materials used in all his projects are cardboard, cellulose paste, polystyrene, etc., which he shapes until he achieves the desired result.
Principal 52B, Cod. Post. 35320. Vega San Mateo. Tel.: 928.661942
Sergio Santana Dávila: Traditional Carpenter.
The products produced include Canarian balconies, picture frames, wooden boxes, and more. The materials used are imported woods (mahogany, rosewood, cedar, oak, etc.), and the finishes are waxes over natural varnishes. The products are made to order.
La Higuera 22, Cod. Post. 35320. Vega San Mateo. Tel.: 928660181
José Alberto Santana Dávila: Wood Carver.
The products produced primarily include trunks, workshops, pottery boxes, balconies, coffers, jewelry boxes, frames, stands, etc. The technique used is traditional: Canarian carving, done manually with burins, gouges, hammers, and other tools. The process consists of making the boxes and trunks, transferring the design onto them using a template, and then casting, carving, polishing, and lacquering or waxing. Limited production and custom orders.
La Higuera 22, Cod. Post. 35320. Vega San Mateo. Tel.: 928660902
Francisca Suárez Monroy: Jigsaw.
Traditional workshop. It mainly produces bed linens, handkerchiefs, bags, towels, bedspreads, shirts, and traditional costumes. The basic raw material used is linen and threads. Traditional Canarian lacework technique. The fabrics are selected, cut, marked, unraveled, laid on the loom, and lacework using selected decorative and finishing stitches. Products are made in limited production runs and to order.
Principal 18, Cod. Post: 35320. Vega de San Mateo. Tel.: 9286614952
Carmelo Texeira: Basket.
Produces all kinds of wicker products.
Los Chorros 18, Postal Code 35320, Vega de San Mateo. Tel.: 928660652
