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Products
NON - EDIBLE
PRODUCTS
POTTERY / CERAMICS
 Archaeological finds provide evidence that Lesvians have been involved with the arts since the 14th Century BC. Owing to the plentiful deposits of clay on the island pottery has flourished. In modern times Lesvos became a well known pottery centre and numerous workshops were established (Agiasos and Mandamados). Here various ceramic objects for utilitarian or ornamental use are produced. The decorative themes originate in the Byzantine tradition and the beauty of the Lesvian nature. You will be able to buy these items at the many shops that exhibit extensive ranges of these products.
FRETWORK (
FURNITURE / SMALL ITEMS / ICONS )
 Fretwork has flourished owing to the abundance of wood mainly from olive, walnut and chestnut trees. It was used in monasteries and churches for the creation of icon screens (iconostasis), in wooden additions to the upper floors of village houses (sachnisinia), roofs, ornate doors, ottomans / wooden chests (sedouki), stairs and of course furniture. The decorative themes originate in the Byzantine tradition and the beauty of the Lesvian nature, similar to the decorative themes in ceramics. Agiasos seems to be the centre of excellence in this traditional craft, with many shops having excellent displays by their workshops, for the customers to admire.
WOOVEN & EMBROIDERED TEXTILES
The island was also famous for it’s weaving. Yarns dyed with plant dyes were originally used to weave colourful textiles in traditional wooden looms, handed down from mother to daughter. Weaving was an occupation reserved for women. All the textiles required in a household for bedding, carpeting and household fitments the women of the household made. Tradition demanded that a new mother with a baby girl, weaved the contents of the "girl’s bottom drawer" (prika) very early. Often proud grandmothers contributed to the lovingly to the effort.
Today you can buy unique traditional textiles from various workshops and Women’s Co-operatives at the villages and small towns of Lesvos. Notably in Agiasos, in one of the textile gift shops, you can actually see the wooden loom and the owner of the shop weaving the items (tablecloths, runners, cushion covers etc.) she sells at the shop.
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