São Paulo – The costume jewellery made by Maria de Lourdes Amado, out of golden grass, was successful at the International Traditional Handicraft and Art Salon, in Algeria, which took place in late March. The 100 items taken by the artisan were sold at the event. “It was an excellent fair. I was very pleased. I felt my work was appreciated,” explained Lourdes.
This was her second participation in a fair in the Arab country in North Africa. In July last year, Lourdes participated in the Pan-African Cultural Festival. “As I already knew the tastes of Algerian women, I took the products they like,” said Lourdes, who produced earrings, necklaces, bracelets, baskets and vases made out of golden grass especially for Arab women.
The earrings made out of stones, like emeralds, onyx and quartz, were the most produced. “Women there take great care with their appearance,” said Lourdes. The space was organised by the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae) and the Brazilian Gem and Jewellery Association (Abragem).
The artisan sold 30 items to an Algerian retailer. “He already knew me from another fair,” said Lourdes, who has already sold baskets, vases and fruit baskets to the retailer. According to her, the owner of a chain of shops in the Arab country was also interested in golden grass products, which may result in an order for 200 or more products. “He said he would contact us,” she explained.
Lourdes is not planning another trip to Algeria, but if an invitation is made, she will return. Currently, the artisan exports to Italy, France, Japan and Spain. Orders are placed on the company site (www.capimdourado.net).
Tradition
All the capim dourado products are handmade. The team of 13 artisans is managed by Lourdes and her daughter. “I work to keep our culture alive,” she said, adding that she learnt how to weave the grass with her grandmother, and is now teaching her grandson. Her plan is not to produce excessively large volumes. “I prefer to supply smaller orders. I work with a selected clientele,” she said.
*Translated by Mark Ament
