The willow (Salix sp.) toothpicks from the Cistercian Monastery of Lorvão (Penacova, Portugal)

Luís Carvalho, Francisca Maria Fernandes, Ana Paula Nozes, Ana Paula Figueira, Sara Albuquerque, Paula Silva, Maria de Fátima Nunes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

In Portugal, the tradition of handmade white willow (Salix alba L.) toothpicks began in the Cistercian Monastery of Lorvão (Penacova), in an uncertain date during the 17th century. After the suppression of all monastic orders (1834), people from Lorvão continued this craft and, later, this parish became the main Portuguese center of the toothpick industry, an activity that still flourishes today. Handmade toothpicks, following ancient methods, are now made as a cultural symbol of the Penacova region.
Original languageEnglish
Article number49
Pages (from-to)1-17
Number of pages17
JournalEthnobotany Research and Applications
Volume28
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Keywords

  • Willow wood
  • Toothpicks
  • Monastery traditions

Cite this