TOINO ABEL takes a modern approach to basketry. We bring together an in-house designed collection with a unique savoir-faire while merging nature, design, and folk culture.
TOINO ABEL was founded by Nuno Henriques, who has developed an interest in handwork over the past years. Nuno uses his passion for this almost lost craft to drive forward a tradition in new ways. Nuno started TOINO ABEL in 2010 in Berlin and moved to the Portuguese countryside in 2013 to work alongside locals with the old remaining craftspeople.
Rescuing a local Tradition
TOINO ABEL has rescued the ancient craft of reed basket making in Portugal. We acted at a vital time when artisans were few and old. Without them, this craft was lost. We acted out of love, and we still do.
We have learned this technique side by side the remaining weavers. Gradually, we have refined its process and elevated the quality of every single step. Nowadays we are proud to realize that our bags have unparalleled craftsmanship.
A Long Heritage Carried by a New Generation
This ancient craft has been in the same family for five generations, interrupted only by the ‘baby boomer’ generation. Although we don’t know its roots, over time, our bags became icons of Portuguese tradition.
We are now a small but passionate team of people in their twenties and forties working with the very best crafters. As crafters ourselves, we are proud to bring this tradition forward, as we feel a sense of responsibility for its history, process, and balance with nature.
Read a personal letter, written by Nuno at the beginning of TOINO ABEL
savoir faire with Today’s values
At Toino Abel, we don't believe in a business model based on cheap labor. If this craft alone is not enough to pay decent wages perhaps it is not worth doing it.
Declared work means social security, insurance, fixed-hours, tax-paying. Taxes allow access to universal health care as in Portugal's case or paid retirement when we grow too old to work.
Undeclared work means all the opposite of this.
Look at Cidália. Cidália was the first artisan I got to know and the one I visited the most. She worked for my great-aunt. (In this craft, you have houses that employ real artisans). I love her because she is so down to earth.
Cidália is now old, and she was already old ten years ago when I started TOINO ABEL. So I was coming from throwing the garbage when I saw Cidália walking down the street. She looked almost blind as she was trying to hold against the wall while walking. The road doesn't have sidewalks, although the elderly move slowly and cars drive at criminal speeds.
Nobody gives her a job because she is old and can no longer weave. She deserves to rest and get a decent paid retirement for her life's work. But no. She was always undeclared.
In Portugal, this is a usual practice. For some reason, we are a poor country. Please think who is paying the cost of the craft you buy - if you are not the one paying for it.
