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Traditions and craftsmanship

One of the most characteristic of the island's artistic objects is the siurell, a coloured earthenware figurine representing various personages taken from popular or religious imagery.

Anyone with a special interest in the crafts of fired clay should explore the township of Marratxí, just outside Palma, where innumerable potteries (olleries) turn out all sorts of household objects. It is known as "the land of clay" for good reason.

Roba de llengües is printed cloth characterized by the plainness of its patterns. It's highly appreciated and especially appropriate for use as curtains. The tradition of weaving roba de llengües extends throughout the island.

There are three Mallorcan glass workshops working in different styles and colours and you can visit them and watch the craftsmen blowing glass at Can Guardiola in Algaida, Menestralia in Campanet and Lafiore in Valldemossa.

Goldsmiths and costume jewellers are other areas of Mallorcan crafts, linked to the busy calendar of popular festivals. The dance of the cossiers in Algaida, the bonfires on San Antoni's day, the battles of Moors and Christians in Port de Sóller and Pollença, the processions of the Beata in Valldemossa and Santa Margalida are some of the icons represented.