Inspired by a childhood memory of her grandmother magically weaving beautiful textiles at a handloom, Bruna Cossu recounts her return to Sardinia in search of traditional hand weavers, after having lived abroad for 26 years. Thinking that hand weaving was a lost art, she was surprised to discover that in Samugheo, the weaving capital of Sardinia, three women, Isabella Frongia, her mother Susanna, and her cousin Anna Maria, carry on this vanishing tradition.
I Want to Weave the Weft of Time (Tessere le Trame del Tempo) explores the skills, patience, and artistry of Sardinia's hand weavers, the tessitori artigianali. Traditional hand weaving, an art which was nearly lost and for many years has been invisible and unvalued, is thriving in the Frongia women’s unique studio. They are among the few who continue to weave by hand in the ancient pibiones tradition. Their art requires great engineering skill, mathematical ability, patience, and physical dexterity. The textiles they create are unparalleled, and a testament to the Frongia’s skill and commitment to preserving this art form.
After visiting the textile museum in Samugheo, Bruna went unannounced to the Frongia studio, where the women immediately embraced her. From the very first day, they had her sit with them at the loom and began to guide her in the art of weaving. Bruna talks of her interactions with the women, her delight at being able to learn this art form she thought had vanished. She explains how the way of life of the women weavers, a way that is accepting, compassionate, present, strong, and caring, is sorely needed in the world.
I Want to Weave the Weft of Time will take you on a journey into the heart Sardinia where the Frongia women embody the last of an artistic tradition in Sardinia and perhaps the world.