Almofada em Bunho artesanal de Helena Novelletto, cestaria tradicional de Estremadura, Portugal

Almofada em Bunho em contexto, peça artesanal da coleção Ra-Ro de Estremadura

Detalhe da almofada em bunho de Helena Novelletto, textura e acabamento feito à mão

Helena Novelletto

Cushion

Name: Cushion
Brand: Ra-Ro
SKU: 04PT06HNO0002
Price: 94.70 EUR
Availability: InStock

Rarity scale

VERY RARE

What is the Ra-Ro Index?

Bulrush (bunho) loves water. It grows in humid places, including ponds, swamps, and lakes. Frogs and dragonflies are among its closest neighbors. So, how does it transform into this beautiful, versatile, Cushion (almofada), which you can take to live in the desert? Or use it to slow down the pace, for example.

Regular price 94,70 €

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Production Time

Approximately > 2 weeks

Payment secure

Cushion

94,70 €

History Dimensions Conservation

For slowing down, a cushion made slowly.

For Helena Novelletto, the young artisan behind this work, it has been a journey towards freedom. She started by learning the craft with Manuel Ferreira, a generous master from Santarém, who wove while recalling the 1974 revolution that ended 48 years of dictatorship in Portugal, telling stories she, born in Brazil, had never heard of.

Freed from industry, the bunho craft demands only raw nature and her disciplined hands - self-sufficiency. We are sure she is one of the last active bunho artisans, but we hope that her dedication can motivate other artists with sustainable convictions.

In the summer, the bulrush is harvested, in its natural habitat, and woven in her workshop in Caldas da Rainha (Estremadura, Portugal), a task that requires all the strength of her arms. Yes, freedom demands hard work.

Frequently asked questions

What is this piece?

Round cushion made of bulrush hand-harvested and woven by Helena Novelletto in her Caldas da Rainha workshop, Estremadura. Sustainable basketry.

Which region is it from?

It comes from Estremadura, in Portugal. At Ra-Ro, every piece is tied to its origin and to the territory where it is made.

Who makes this piece?

It is made by Helena Novelletto, the producer Ra-Ro works with directly for this piece.

What technique is used?

This piece is made using the Empreita technique.

Are all pieces identical?

As a handmade piece, it may vary slightly from one example to another. That variation is part of its authenticity.

Do you ship worldwide?

Yes, Ra-Ro ships worldwide.

How do returns work?

You have 14 days for a free return.

Is payment secure?

Yes, all payments are processed securely and encrypted.

Diameter > 45 cm
Height > 7.5 cm

Cleaning
Gently remove dust with a soft, dry cloth or a soft brush.

Moisture
Avoid prolonged contact with water.
If the piece becomes very dry, lightly mist it with water to maintain the fibre's flexibility.

Storage
Store in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and excessive humidity to prevent mold or fading.

Meet the Producer

A JOURNEY TOWARD CREATIVE FREEDOM

Helena Novelletto learned the craft from master Manuel Ferreira, transforming bunho into unique pieces with stories of freedom.

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Apprenticeship and Artistic Roots

Helena’s journey with bulrush weaving began under the mentorship of Manuel Ferreira, a master artisan from Santarém. Through his stories of Portugal’s 1974 revolution and lessons on craftsmanship, she learned not only an art form but a path towards creative freedom.

Craft and Process

Her work transforms bulrush, a water-loving plant that thrives in ponds, marshes, and lakes, into beautiful, versatile, timeless pieces. The harvest is in the summer months of july and august, near her home, sundried in its natural habitat, and weaved with all the strength and care it demands. These creations, born from raw nature and her disciplined hands, embody self-sufficiency and sustainable artistry.

Background and Present Context

Born in Brazil and now based in Caldas da Rainha, Helena Novelletto is one of the last active bulrush weavers in the country.

Future Outlook and Inspiration

Yet, because she’s young and at the early stages of a promising career, maybe we can hope that her dedication can motivate likeminded artists with sustainable convictions.