Typical Mallorcan Crafts You'll Want to Buy
One of the charms of living in Mallorca, whether temporarily or permanently, is immersing oneself fully in its culture, traditions, and typical crafts—an array of original products that you'll surely want to purchase as mementos, gifts, or simply to enjoy at home.
Do you know what the most typical products of Mallorca are? Let's take a tour of some of the main ones.
Tela de Lenguas (Ikat Fabric)
You've probably seen them as curtains, bags, aprons and pot holders for the kitchen, towels, cushions... Tela de Lenguas (Ikat fabric) is one of the most identifiable products of Mallorcan craftsmanship.
They were historically known as "flámulas," due to the characteristic motifs reminiscent of flames.
They are made using a technique called ikat, a blend of Eastern manufacturing traditions that evolved into something deeply indigenous to Mallorca.
Dyeing the fabric requires great skill, as the threads are painted before weaving, and the flame motifs emerge as the fabric is created.
Ceramics and Pottery
Mallorca is renowned for its ceramicists and potters, whose creations have become highly valued ethnographic items over time.
For the kitchen, the famous "greixoneras" are well-known—a type of glazed clay casserole dish available in all sizes and found in every Mallorcan pantry.
Also notable are the "gerretes felanitxeres," small pitchers adorned with intricate reliefs, used to keep water cool, a common sight on Mallorcan tables, especially during the summer months.
Painted roof tiles are decorated on both the outer and inner surfaces with floral, anthropomorphic, or animal motifs.
Among these, the siurells are particularly popular—small clay figures equipped with a whistle, typically white with green, red, or blue dots. Those shaped like "dimonis" are believed to attract wealth and prosperity to the homes where they are placed.
Pearls, at the Heart of the Island
Manacor is internationally renowned for its artisanal production of pearls, tiny marvels that in nature are rare and have been made accessible through the use of opaline crystal and nacreous layers.
Production began in the early 20th century, and after the patent expired in 1948, approximately two hundred thousand units were produced daily.
These pearls consist of an opaline crystal core, identical in weight and density to cultured pearls, coated with layers of pearl essence extracted from the Mediterranean.
Artisanal pearls have gained significant value in international fashion, appearing in designs with noble materials such as gold or silver. Far from traditional necklaces, rings, or earrings, each year sees avant-garde designs and trends showcased on some of Europe's most prestigious fashion runways.
Another highly valued treat, whether for giving or receiving, both for locals and visitors, is breakfast at the Rooftop of Es Príncep, where a special section is reserved to savor the most delicious products of Mallorca.