Last Artisan in Portugal Fights to Save Traditional Cape Verdean Weaving Technique

The only artisan practicing the traditional Cape Verdean weaving technique known as "panu di téra" in Portugal is calling for the craft to be taught in schools, warning that without broader transmission to younger generations it risks disappearing entirely. The artisan, a 45-year-old Cape Verdean "social educator" based in the "Cova da Moura" neighborhood of Amadora in the Lisbon district, has lived in Portugal since 1987 and is described by local media as a "famous artisan" of the community. He learned the technique before emigrating and has practiced it throughout his nearly four decades in the country. He also warns that imitations of the traditional cloth are circulating, posing an additional threat to the craft's authenticity.

„Here, now there are some [people] learning. But there should be much more. There are many who do not know, many daughters and sons of Cape Verdeans who have no idea what a panu is. This should be taught more in schools, to all children, because within a few years, it may cease to exist.” (Here, now there are some learning. But there should be much more. There are many who do not know, many daughters and sons of Cape Verdeans who have no idea what a panu is. This should be taught more in schools, to all children, because within a few years, it may cease to exist.) — Cape Verdean artisan via Lusa

The artisan describes the production process as costly and demanding, noting that scarcity of resources and means prevents many from taking it up. "Panu di téra" consists of cotton pieces woven on a wooden loom in strips approximately 15 centimeters wide, in various colors, which are then sewn together. He says the situation is similarly dire in Cape Verde itself, where very few practitioners remain. „Even in Cape Verde there are almost no people [making them].” — Cape Verdean artisan via Lusa At present, three young women are learning the technique from him in Cova da Moura, a development he welcomes but considers insufficient given the scale of the challenge. He stresses that the work "cannot stop" because the cloth is "part of Cape Verdean history."

The "panu di téra" was declared National Cultural Heritage in 2021 and is regarded as a major symbol of Cape Verdean identity and culture, according to the source articles. The craft is described as very scarcely practiced and at risk of disappearing even within the Cape Verde archipelago itself. Cova da Moura, where the artisan is based, is a neighborhood in Amadora with a historically significant Cape Verdean immigrant community.

Beyond his work in Portugal, the artisan has traveled to multiple countries in Europe and to the United States to promote "panu di téra" among Cape Verdean diaspora communities. He notes that members of those communities are often unaware of the cloth's history and significance, yet show curiosity and interest when introduced to it. He has participated in various events and social projects built around the weaving technique, which he describes as "a pleasure and a source of pride." „I am already 45 years old and I would not like panu [di téra] to die in the future. I know some artisans in Cape Verde who are older than me and this transmission [of knowledge] really has to happen.” — Cape Verdean artisan via Lusa The artisan's dual concern — protecting authenticity from imitations while expanding access through formal education — frames his broader advocacy for the survival of the craft.