nansa - fishtrap baskets

Above: Fisherman at work on nansa fishtrap.
Credit: Catala Roca, 1955, Memories of La Costa Brava

Over thousands of years a special fisherman's basket making technique - Nansa - has evolved around the shores of the Mediterranean.Combining rigid and flexible elements in an unusual triangular structure this technique was used to create a variety of fish traps and baskets according to the local catch and the fisherman's specific needs.

In Catalonia and the Balearic islands a variety of plant materials were used for the nansa baskets - especially Sharp Rush (Juncus acutus), Phoenicean Juniper (Juniperus phoenicea) and European Cane (Arundo donax).

 

Monica has learnt and adapted this technique, traditionally used in her hometown until relatively recently, to create contemporary baskets that combine non-traditional materials with an exploration of colour, volume and texture for everyday use and home decoration.