Ómós Digest #206: Common Threads
A journey through Ireland’s past and present tradition of basket weaving.
At Ómós, one of our core missions is to better understand Ireland’s relationship with craft - what our craft identity is and whether we can even define one at all. On this four year journey so far, we’ve unearthed forgotten stories, uncovered unexpected treasures, and engaged in dialogues with both long-established makers and emerging voices in their respective fields. Along the way, we’ve begun to recognise patterns that speak to a distinctly Irish way of making - quiet, resourceful and deeply tied to place; always passionate and equally proud.
A recent study from the Heritage Council found that 70% of people believe that traditional skills should be preserved because they form an essential part of our cultural identity. With such strong consensus, the question arises: how can we simply stand by while so many of these skills fade from view? Naturally we are not merely the sum of our parts. An identity is something built through the long accumulation of knowledge, consideration and practice.
For us, objects are never merely functional - they are carriers of memory and meaning. Whether it’s cutlery on the table, a hand-moulded vase or a quilted piece of fabric, these items hold a presence far greater than their physical form. That said, objects created by hand possess a significance that far exceeds their material value. The human touch imparts a depth and a quiet tenderness that no machine or automated process can (nor hopefully ever will) fully replicate. It is in this spirit and within this tradition that we at Ómós seek to platform crafts and craftspeople - be it the butcher, the baker or the candlestick maker.
On a recent journey, we turned our attention to the often overlooked art of basket weaving. You see, basket weaving in Ireland is beautifully poised at the intersection of craft revival, appreciation and true mastery, offering a unique lens through which to celebrate skill and cultural heritage.
