Northeast Region | Nurturing Handicraft Heritage

Beyond sugarcane, green coconuts, coconut straw, and reeds from the sertão, the art of this region is brimming with style, including clay sculptures and ceramic utensils. Due to its colonization by various peoples, the cultural diversity is incredible. Portuguese and Azorean settlers brought Bobbin lace, and labyrinth embroidery as part of their heritage, as well as Irish lace, Renaissance lace, and Richelieu embroidery, among others.

In addition to Bahia, Sergipe, and Rio Grande do Norte, to which we've dedicated special sections on this map of Brazilian handicrafts, the region includes the states of Alagoas, Ceará, Maranhão, Paraíba, Pernambuco, and Piauí.

BAHIA STATE SECTION

DONA JOSA PROFILE

PARAÍBA STATE SECTION

SERGIPE : IRISH LACE

Alagoas: A Hub of Traditional Craftsmanship

Set of 2 blue Filé embroidery placemats from Alagoas, Brazil, elegantly arranged"

Close-up of intricate Filé embroidery pattern on blue placemat from Alagoas

Blue Filé embroidery placemat from Alagoas styled on a sophisticated dining table

Complete set of 2 black Filé embroidery placemats from Alagoas, Brazil, stylishly displayed

Detailed view of refined Filé embroidery pattern on black placemat from Alagoas

Black Filé embroidery placemat from Alagoas decorating a modern dining setting

Filé Embroidery: Alagoas' Cultural Treasure

Filé embroidery, a cherished form of needle lace, has deep roots in Alagoas, with origins tracing back to the 16th century.

Technique and Tradition

Filé uses a French-derived net base for intricate stitching. Unique named stitches and generational knowledge transfer are key elements of this craft.

Cultural Significance

Mundaú-Manguaba Lagoon is the epicenter of filé production. Recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage and awarded Geographical Indication, filé safeguards artisans.

Preserving the Legacy

Filé artisans balance traditional techniques with innovation, ensuring the craft's continued relevance and cultural importance.

Global Recognition

Expanding awareness through international fairs and collaborations, promoting filé embroidery on the world stage.

Natural Ceramic Jackfruits handmade in the Northeast region, Brazil.

Handcrafted wooden dog sculptures, made in Brazil, featuring natural wood tones.

Natural Ceramic Decoration Jackfruits handmade in the Northeast region, Brazil.

Natural Ceramic Jackfruits Decoration handmade in the Northeast region, Brazil.

Large, Natural Ceramic Jackfruits Decoration handmade in the Northeast region, Brazil.

Handcrafted wooden dog sculptures, made in Brazil, featuring natural wood tones and painted details.

Handcrafted wooden dogs sculptures, made in Brazil, featuring natural painted wood tones details.

Brazilian Ceramic Decoration are ornaments made by hands.

Brazilian Painted Ceramic Decoration, ornaments made by hands.

Painted Ceramic Farmer decoration from Brazil

Wooden wine racks handcrafted from natural wood, exported from Brazil

Ceramic Heads with human expressions for decorating.

Ceramic Heads with human expressions for decor

Ceramic Benches Human Heads, handmade in Brazil.

Ceramic Decorative Heads with human expressions for decorating

Wooden Craft Tray from the Brazilian Northeast.

Wooden craft Table with Natural tones and unique design

Wooden craft Bottles for decorative purposes

These art forms often incorporate local materials, techniques, and cultural influences, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of Brazilian artisans.

Selected and traditional Brazilian Handicrafts and Folk Art

Painted Eggs

Handicraft, innovation, novelty, and sustainable actions

Colorful Pendant Lighting.

actions aligned with the SDG metrics, such as selective waste collection, separation of organic waste for composting, environmental education, material reuse

Sculptures of the Ceará man. Influences inspiring artisans from the Northeast.

Necklaces and table ornaments with folk influences from the traditions of the state of Ceará, Brazil.

Artistic expressions deeply rooted in the country's culture, history, and regional diversity.

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