COUNTER COVER 48

SYMBOLISM

Not much is known about the symbolic meaning of the iconographic elements of Serrano embroidery. However, it is possible to trace the origin of the motifs to Egyptian, Assyrian or Iberian cultures, to which later influences were added.

The meaning of this multitude of plants and animals is mostly lost today, and they are embroidered out of love for the inherited art form, weaved by the decorative desire of the embroiderers and possibly with some kind of intention that remains unknown.

However, some elements that form part of the design have a clear significance. For example, inside the animals there is usually a heart symbolising life; and around the throat, a collar separating the body from the head, showing that the animal depicted is dead, clearly a Mudéjar art influence, an art movement from late mediaeval period in the Iberian Peninsula that had mixed influences from both Islamic and Christian cultures and traditions. On some occasions, the collar and the heart appear on the same animal, reflecting the loss of the symbolism attributed to these elements centuries ago by the prevailing cultural norms.

Unlike other types of popular embroidery, the popular embroidery in the Sierra de Francia is difficult to learn due to the large number of different stitches and motifs that embroiderers have to master. Serrano embroidery must always be taught using the ancient method by which artisans learn all crafts, i.e. by being apprentices in a school, as this craft is almost impossible to be self-taught.