The Story of TOINO ABEL
At TOINO ABEL, we celebrate the art of basketry, weaving together heritage, sustainability, and contemporary design. Established as the first Portuguese basketry brand, we are committed to preserving traditional craftsmanship while adapting it for modern living.
Our small team of artisans operates with working contracts, insurance, and healthcare, adhering to Portugal's labor standards. This reflects our dedication to creating a new sustainable craft path where artisans are valued and supported. This approach is essential for attracting new, young talent to carry this rich heritage forward and ensure its preservation for future generations.
Every piece is handmade in our atelier, crafted from natural junco rush, and infused with the authenticity of Portugal’s identity. Our commitment to quality and ethical production defines TOINO ABEL as more than a brand—it is a mission project to safeguard this world's unique and century-old cultural heritage and embrace the beauty of truly "Made in Portugal" craftsmanship.
Welcome to TOINO ABEL, where every basket counts.
-> Read A Personal Letter written by Nuno Henriques back in 2010 when he founded TOINO ABEL.
A Tribute to Tradition, from A to Z
In 2017, we collaborated with the talented artist and photographer Dinis Santos to create a video that is both a documentary and a work of art. This film captures the essence of our craft at a pivotal moment—just before we transitioned to weaving entirely in-house. The video takes us back to a time when basketry, as a practice, remained virtually unchanged for centuries. It’s a tribute to a legacy passed down through generations of artisans who, until that point, worked with us to preserve this invaluable skill.
This video is a testament to a heritage that, until TOINO ABEL, was never adequately documented, even by Portuguese institutions. It could have quietly faded into obscurity without our commitment to preserving and sharing this craft. From this point in time, we consciously decided to take ownership of the entire production process—ensuring consistent quality and better working conditions for our artisans. In 2019, we became fully independent, crafting exclusively in-house.
What started as an homage to an age-old practice has become a mission to safeguard and elevate this craft for the future. We continue to honor the legacy of those who have come before us while shaping its future with innovation, care, and a deep respect for the craft’s essence.
We continue the journey—one woven basket at a time.
Video - Dinis Santos
Drone Operator - Sérgio Lopes
Sound Capture - Sofia Arriscado
Sound Editing - Filipe Azevedo
Mastering - Pedro Augusto
TOINO ABEL Team - Alice Sireau, Sara Miller, Nuno Henriques
Traditional Artisans - Celeste Silva, António Silva