Award-Winning Study Urges Preservation of Fading Canarian Basketry Tradition
Educator Ángel González Rodríguez has been awarded the 2026 Tenerife Prize for his research into traditional Canarian basketry, an initiative aimed at documenting the fading craft and integrating its geometric techniques into modern education.
Traditional Canarian basketry is at a crossroads. Once a vital part of rural life and the local economy, the craft is now fading as younger generations lose interest and modern materials replace traditional tools. A recent study, which won a prestigious award from the Cabildo de Tenerife, warns that without a clear plan to preserve these techniques, the art form risks becoming nothing more than a museum exhibit.
Educator Ángel González Rodríguez received the 2026 Tenerife Prize for the Promotion and Research of Crafts in Spain and America—along with a 6,500-euro grant—for his two-year study on the islands' wicker basketry. His research fills a significant gap in historical records by documenting the unique techniques and styles found on each island. The jury praised his use of oral histories and detailed analysis, noting that this work is essential for protecting a heritage that previously lacked formal documentation.
The study highlights that basketry is not a single, uniform craft, but a diverse language shaped by the geography of each island. From specific braiding methods to traditional preservation techniques—such as using seawater to prevent decay—the craft reflects the ingenuity of local artisans. However, a major challenge remains: the lack of raw materials. As traditional farming has declined, so has the cultivation of wicker. Today’s artisans must rely on the limited supplies left behind by retired masters.
Beyond academic research, González Rodríguez is working to bring this knowledge into the classroom. He is currently collaborating with IES Santa Úrsula to incorporate basketry into the mathematics curriculum, using the geometry of wicker structures to teach students. This initiative aims to move beyond seeing basketry as a mere relic of the past, instead turning it into a living educational tool. By doing so, he hopes to pass on a complex, culturally significant craft that remains a defining part of the Canary Islands' history.