Tenerife Tejía: Cultura y Tradiciones Canarias
Este artículo fue publicado por el autor Editores el 09/02/2025 y actualizado el 09/02/2025. Esta en la categoria Artículos.
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is a place full of culture and tradition. Among the most representative expressions of its identity is the Tenerife Tejía, a traditional Canarian embroidery that has been passed down from generation to generation. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of Tenerife Tejía, its history, its characteristics, and its significance for the Canarian culture.
History of Tenerife Tejía
Tenerife Tejía has its origins in the Guanche culture, the aboriginal inhabitants of the Canary Islands. The Guanches used to make embroideries for their clothing and religious ceremonies, but it was not until the Spanish conquest that the technique evolved and became what we know today as Tenerife Tejía.
The first records of Tenerife Tejía date back to the 16th century, when the Spanish settlers brought new techniques and materials that enriched the tradition. The embroideries were used to decorate the religious images, the clothes of the nobility, and the altar cloths of the churches.
Over time, Tenerife Tejía became a symbol of identity and social status, and the embroiderers started to organize themselves into guilds. The guilds were responsible for the quality of the works, the training of new embroiderers, and the preservation of the tradition.
Characteristics of Tenerife Tejía
Tenerife Tejía is characterized by its geometric and floral patterns, worked with a great variety of stitches. The most common stitch is the "punto de Tenerife" or "punto de Cruz", a type of cross-stitch that gives a compact and regular texture.
The embroidery is usually made on a linen or cotton fabric, and the materials used are silk, wool, or metallic threads. The choice of materials and colors depends on the destination and the function of the work. For example, the religious images and the clothes of the nobility require the finest materials and the most delicate stitches.
Tenerife Tejía has several variants, according to the region and the personal taste of the embroiderers. Some of the most famous variants are the Tejía de Santa Cruz, the Tejía de La Laguna, the Tejía de La Orotava, and the Tejía de Puerto de la Cruz. Each variant has its peculiarities, such as the types of patterns, the form of the stitches, or the color combinations.
Significance of Tenerife Tejía for the Canarian culture
Tenerife Tejía is an essential expression of the Canarian culture and identity. The embroidery represents the fusion of the Guanche heritage with the Spanish influence, the encounter of two worlds that resulted in a unique and rich culture.
The Tejía has also a social and economic significance. The embroiderers, mostly women, have always carried out this activity as a vital source of income and pride. The guilds have played a fundamental role in the transmission of the knowledge and the preservation of the tradition.
Tenerife Tejía is also a tourist attraction. Many visitors come to the island to contemplate and acquire its beautiful and singular works. The embroideries are exhibited in museums, shops, and art galleries, and the technique is taught in craft workshops.
FAQ
What is Tenerife Tejía?
Tenerife Tejía is a traditional embroidery from Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands.
Where does Tenerife Tejía come from?
Tenerife Tejía comes from the Guanche culture, the aboriginal inhabitants of the Canary Islands.
What materials are used in Tenerife Tejía?
The materials used in Tenerife Tejía are linen or cotton fabric, silk, wool, or metallic threads.
Who makes Tenerife Tejía?
Tenerife Tejía is traditionally made by women, who have passed down the knowledge and the technique from generation to generation.
Where can I see Tenerife Tejía?
Tenerife Tejía can be seen in museums, shops, and art galleries in Tenerife, as well as in craft workshops and exhibitions.
References
- "Tejía tradicional canaria: El punto de cruz hecho arte" (2019, La Opinión de Tenerife)
- "La Tejía, oro en punto de cruz" (2017, El País)
- "Tenerife Tejía, una antigua tradición que hoy sigue viva" (2016, Turismo de Tenerife)
- "La Tejía, joya de la artesanía canaria" (2015, El Digital de Canarias)
- "La Tejía de Tenerife: tradición y arte" (2014, La Vanguardia)
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