Maker Monograph: The Weaver of Frigiliana
Carmen Vega has been weaving esparto grass in the same Frigiliana doorway for 47 years. Her work is now collected by designers from Copenhagen to Tokyo.
By Editorial Team · Updated 06 OCT 2026
Frigiliana village where Carmen Vega weaves esparto grass
Carmen Vega sits in the same doorway where her grandmother taught her to weave at age seven. The village of Frigiliana — with its white walls and cobbled lanes — has been a centre of esparto grass craft for over 700 years. Vega is one of three weavers still practising the traditional technique.
The Material
Esparto grass (Stipa tenacissima) grows wild in the sierras above the village. It is harvested in July, dried in the sun for 30 days, then soaked in water for 24 hours before weaving. The resulting fibre is extraordinarily durable — archaeological finds in the region include esparto baskets dating to the Neolithic period.
The grass remembers the rain. I only remind it of the shape.
The Work
Vega produces approximately 60 pieces per year — baskets, lampshades, and wall panels. Her work has been commissioned by interior designers in seven countries. A large wall panel takes three weeks to complete and sells for 900-1,400 euros.
“The daily record is where a place reveals its actual rhythm.”
Mistral & Marea · field note