In Puglia, the tradition of weaving wicker baskets – known locally as “panari” – holds a special place in the region’s cultural history. Once an essential part of everyday rural life, these baskets were used for everything from carrying olives and vegetables to storing harvests and other goods. Crafted from local natural materials like reeds, cane, and olive wood, the baskets represented both functional tools and a cultural symbol of the land and its people.
The art of basket making was passed down through generations, each artisan mastering the intricate techniques that transformed simple materials into sturdy, flexible baskets. The process began with gathering the raw materials – reeds and cane that had been soaked and dried, or branches from olive trees that were carefully bent and shaped. The artisans would then create the base, working in a precise spiral pattern, adding the sides and finishing with a durable edge and handle. While the technique may seem simple at first glance, it required a deep knowledge of the materials and the skill to weave them together with both strength and flexibility. The baskets were designed to carry heavy loads while remaining light enough to be easily transported.
In rural villages across Salento and other parts of Puglia, basket making was traditionally a family affair. The men would gather and prepare the materials, while the women, with their nimble hands and years of experience, would weave the baskets. This work was more than just a craft; it was a livelihood that tied families to the rhythms of the land. During harvest time, entire villages would be alive with the sound of weaving, as baskets filled with olives or figs were carried to markets or oil presses. These baskets were crucial for transporting the fruits of the land, which were essential to the local economy and way of life.
However, as the 20th century progressed and industrialization took hold, the demand for handmade wicker baskets began to decline. Plastic containers and mass‑produced goods quickly replaced the need for traditional woven baskets. Many artisans closed their workshops, and younger generations, drawn to more modern forms of work, did not pick up the craft. By the mid‑20th century, the art of weaving panari was in danger of being lost altogether, especially in places like Bari, where once‑common wicker baskets had become nearly obsolete.
In recent years, however, there has been a quiet revival of interest in the craft. A renewed appreciation for sustainability, artisan products, and regional heritage has led to a resurgence of the panaro. Some of the few remaining artisans – often descendants of those who once made baskets for a living – are rediscovering and reimagining the tradition. These baskets are no longer just functional farm tools but have been reinterpreted as decorative objects, home furnishings, lampshades, or storage pieces, combining timeless materials with modern design.
This revival of the panaro is not only about restoring an old craft but also about preserving a piece of Puglia’s cultural history. The process of making these baskets is now a way to connect with the past, as artisans use traditional methods to create something new for contemporary tastes. By doing so, they not only keep the craft alive but also provide a tangible link to the rural life that once defined the region. Each basket that is woven becomes more than just a product; it is a piece of living history, a symbol of the land, its people, and the hard work that built a community.
Visiting one of the workshops today – in towns like Salento or along Puglia’s inland areas – is more than just buying a handmade product. It’s an opportunity to witness the continuity of tradition and craftsmanship, where the process of weaving a basket is as much about connecting with the past as it is about creating something beautiful. Watching artisans bend reeds, soak cane, and carefully weave each strip into place brings the centuries‑old rhythm of basket making to life once again.
Owning a panaro today is about more than just having a functional item. It’s about carrying a piece of history, a reminder of a time when baskets were the backbone of rural life in Puglia. In an era of mass production and disposable goods, these hand‑woven baskets serve as a symbol of craftsmanship, sustainability, and the enduring strength of tradition. The revival of the panaro is not just a return to an old craft, but a celebration of the timeless connection between the people, the land, and the work that sustains them. In Puglia, these baskets continue to tell the story of a way of life that refuses to be forgotten.
