CLAY. Pottery is one of the most singular activities, initially considered as a domestic task. The technique used is known as “urdido”, rather widespread among the bereber peoples of Northern Africa.

WOOD. The islands have a botanical diversity typical of the overall macaronesian area. Different varieties were used to make weapons, implements, boats, housing, and so forth. Among the most appreciated types of wood are “palo blanco”, “sabina” and the Canary pine.

LEATHER . There is plenty of cattle in the Canaries, being its origin quite probably African. From the times of the native inhabitants leather was used to elaborate items such as gloves, sandals and bags. Later one emerged the trade of shoemaker, which also used leather.

METAL. Metal was introduced in the Canaries by the Castillan settlers, since it did not exist here naturally. Forging came out of the necessity to brand the animals. Nails, horseshoes and peasant tools were made.

STONE. The existence of geological resources in the Islands has allowed its inhabitants to use them in the construction of houses, since the times of aboriginal life. Basalt, trachyte and phonolite are the most used for traditional sculpting and architecture.

TOBACCO. Since the colonization of America tobacco has been a deep-rooted element in Canarian culture.

TEXTILE. Textile industry of wool, silk and linen was a very important part of the economy of the Islands. Typical trades in this respect were those of needleworkorker, shirtmaker, upholsterer, etc.