Sort (ACN).- The Xisqueta Caravan began its route through the municipalities of the Aigüestortes National Park on April 16th with the aim of promoting Xisqueta sheep wool, the shepherd's trade and artisan work. During this time, it has visited 16 towns in Alta Ribagorça (6), Pallars Jussà (6) and Pallars Sobirà (4). Some 250 people have participated in the free workshops offered by the Caravan. To promote the wool, workshops on felting, leatherworking, knitting and spinning are offered. The Caravan will continue to visit a total of 19 towns (12 in Sobirà and 7 in the Aran Valley) until July 1st. The last workshop was held this Monday in Altron (Sort) and was attended by around fifteen children.
The workshop held in Altron was a felting workshop. About fifteen children learned how to comb wool and, once prepared, made colorful balls. They used these balls to make a toy.
Lina, the artisan who taught the workshop, explained that the objective of the course is to introduce Xisqueta sheep wool to the local population and to discover its many uses.
The workshops are small, due to the size of the caravan, and last approximately two hours. The activities have been very well received by the population, and each town filled with children for the Xisqueta Caravan is filled, mostly with children, to attend the workshops and learn more about wool, sheep, and shepherds.
The target audience is primarily older people and children. The older ones, because they are the permanent residents of these small towns, and the children, who return home to their parents or grandparents once the school day is over.
These workshops introduce the basic techniques associated with wool work, emphasizing playful pedagogy and learning through experimentation with the material. At the end of the workshops, there is also an activity, considered awareness-raising, which is a strategic aspect of the project: knowledge of a trade, a breed, and the territory.
At Altron, they have a felt workshop, but they alternate workshops on wool processing, weaving techniques, leather, mattresses, and felt.
As for the artisans who teach the courses, they are all associated with Obrador Xisqueta, who, after four years of work, have acquired a good technique, each in their own discipline. They already have experience, having for several years taught courses to professionals, in schools, and to individuals interested in learning about the uses of wool from all over Catalonia.
Source: La Vanguardia
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