Gefyra Interviews

Gefyra Artist-in-Residence 2023

“Home, Memory, and Art: A Conversation with Renowned Director, Tassos Boulmetis”

Gefyra Lecturer 2023

“Memory, Conflict, and Democratization in Post-Junta Greece” Interview with Professor Kostis Kornetis

Geraki Weaving Community – Sponsored by Gefyra

Part 1: Our Community
In this video, we introduce you to members of the Geraki community, including modern-day weavers, experts who have studied the art of weaving in Geraki, members of the Cultural Society of Geraki, and the Mayor of Evrotas.

Part 2: Training
“The art of weaving is related to everyday life and their life stories. So, by unraveling the details of their history, they unraveled the weft and warp of their lives,” said Nikos Zacharakis, MA in Folk Culture, University of Ioannina. Beyond its cultural significance, weaving plays a crucial role in the village’s economy, serving as a source of income for its residents. In this video you will be introduced to Geraki weavers and how they came to embrace the practice of weaving.

Part 3: The Loom
This video will introduce you to the traditional loom commonly used in crafting kilims in Geraki. The upright or vertical loom recalls the one used by Homer’s Penelope to weave and unravel as she awaited Odysseus’s return. Loom weights uncovered in Geraki’s ancient citadel and its medieval kastro indicate that weaving held enduring cultural and economic importance in Geraki, spanning millennia.

Part 4: Patterns
This video will introduce you to patterns that are commonly woven in Geraki. According to Gianna Katsougraki, Archaeologist and PhD Candidate in History and Ethnology at Democritus University, one of the most common patterns is the plakaki, which is also seen in Roman mosaics in Sparta. The fleur-de-lys was inspired by Geraki’s medieval past. According to weaving teacher Chrysoula Stamatopoulou, one of her favorite patterns is the Tree of Life, which includes symbolic elements from the surrounding world.

Part 5: Processing Wool
In the traditional manner, women undertook the entire weaving process, including harvesting wool from sheep, cleaning the wool, and spinning it into thread. Michalis Sovolos, the Archivist at the General State Archives in Laconia, noted that approximately 1500 kg of wool was annually harvested in Geraki until the year 2000. Retired weavers Eleni Manousi, Chrysaphia Sini, and Georgia Davara reminisce about their experiences, including producing wool from sheep during their active weaving years. To gain insights into the complete wool processing journey, watch the video.

Part 6: Dyes
The dyeing process is intriguing. The residual hot water from washing the wool in a cauldron served as the base for creating the dye to color the wool. Natural ingredients were employed for coloring the wool, including walnut peels and dyer’s madder.

Part 7: Weaving and Tradition
The connection between weaving and tradition is evident in Geraki. Weavings are often created for special occasions like weddings or funerals. Kilims also play a significant role in the Celebration of the Migrant which takes place in August in the village. During these events, immigrants returning to their ancestral land from places like the United States and Canada are welcomed by the villagers. This village’s warm embrace is expressed by hanging woven kilims from balconies, symbolizing a heartfelt welcome to the homeland.

Part 8: Weaving for Dowries
In Geraki, as in many villages, it was customary for kilims to be included in dowries. Dowries were frequently showcased to the community, serving as a display of the gifts exchanged between families. Weddings were once week-long celebrations, during which the dowries, including woven items like kilims, were exhibited in the village. Nevertheless, kilims from Geraki were sought-after items for dowries beyond the village. Individuals familiar with the reputation of Geraki kilims would specifically travel to the village to place orders. This was because the weavers in Geraki were renowned for their expertise in operating looms, utilizing high-quality dyes and materials, and demonstrating exceptional skill in crafting kilims of superior quality.

Part 9: Weavers and the Land
Mayor Dimos Verdos, of the Municipality of Evrotas, to which Geraki belongs, mentioned that Geraki is an agricultural community primarily sustained by income from olive trees, olive oil, and other citrus fruits. Despite the agricultural focus, there is growing concern about the impact of climate change on the region. Mayor Verdos mentioned that it is imperative to conduct studies aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change, addressing the apprehensions surrounding its potential impact on production, employment, and the way of life in the villages.

Part 10: Women and Trade
As per Michalis Sovolos, Archivist at the General State Archives in Laconia, women from Geraki have distributed their kilims all over Greece, with the highest consumer presence in Athens and Piraeus. The pricing strategy these women adopt involves considerations such as weight, intricate designs, or the length of the kilim. According to weaving teacher Chrysoula Stamatopoulou, following the economic crisis, demand for weavings from Geraki diminished, as it is a product catering to a more affluent market due to its higher cost. Nevertheless, when buying kilims in Geraki, customers should also acknowledge the product’s intrinsic value, understanding that their purchase involves more than just acquiring a kilim. They should consider factors such as the use of expensive materials, time, and labor invested in crafting the kilim.

Part 11: Geraki in the 20th Century
Throughout its history as a village, Geraki has confronted economic fluctuations and challenges arising from wars. During difficult periods, villagers have often migrated in search of better opportunities. Over time, the Geraki community has extended its presence to various regions in Greece and other countries, including the United States. Expatriates from Geraki occasionally contribute to the village, supporting its prosperity and well-being.

Part 12: Cultural Society
Mayor Dimos Verdos of the Municipality of Evrotas emphasized the importance of preserving the weaving tradition in Geraki. He highlighted that while weaving is a significant aspect, the village has a rich history spanning millennia, encompassing various cultural elements that warrant preservation. Mayor Verdos expressed a collaboration with the Cultural Society of Geronthron with the hope that a museum could eventually be established to encapsulate Geraki’s cultural significance. This initiative aims to elevate Geraki to the status it deserves as a tourist destination while simultaneously ensuring the preservation and recognition of its rich cultural history. Anthi Saranti, President of the Cultural Society of Geraki, has pointed out that weaving in Geraki goes beyond mere tradition. Visitors should have the opportunity to tour the castle in Geraki, engage with the vibrant weaving community and view kilims, delve into Byzantine history, and explore various archaeological discoveries in the area, including items like loom weights. Importantly, this increase in interest in Geraki also creates opportunities for employment and improving the local economy.

Part 13: Ergani
It proves challenging for women to share their homes and discuss their personal connections with weaving, making it difficult to document the weaving practices of past generations. Despite these obstacles, Nikos Zacharakis, MA in Folk Culture, University of Ioannina, believes that a considerable number of women in Geraki were involved in weaving as both a vocation and a source of income. Both Chrysoula Stamatopoulou, a weaving teacher, and Chrysaphia Sini, a retired weaver, indicated that they were founding members of the Ergani Cooperative, which comprised 15 women from the village. While the widespread production of textiles impacted the economic viability of woven goods in Geraki, the women associated with the Ergani Cooperative remained passionate and committed to preserving the weaving tradition.

Part 14: Workshop
The necessary elements are in position to solidify the significance of weaving within the community and secure its enduring legacy. There is an interest in establishing a museum, aimed at preserving and appreciating the value of weaving. The weaving tradition is actively persisting, with a resurgence in individuals keen on learning this art, evident through increased enrollment in workshops. This art has the potential to be passed down to future generations. Notably, weavers are extending their reach by showcasing their kilims beyond the village, aiming to garner more recognition for this artistic form.

Part 15: Intangible Cultural Heritage
Geraki’s traditional weaving has secured a place on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list in Greece. Chrysoula Stamatopoulou, a weaving teacher, emphasized the importance of this recognition to preserve and sustain the weaving tradition in Geraki. To ensure the tradition’s vitality, discussions with Mr. Veroutis, Deputy Regional Governor of Laconia took place, seeking assistance in maintaining this significant piece of the village’s history and cultural heritage. Thereafter, efforts were initiated to establish a weaving school, along with a workshop and seminar series in the village, aimed at safeguarding this crucial aspect of cultural heritage which has a historical presence in the village spanning millennia.

Part 16: Weaving Dreams
Chrysaphia Sini, a retired weaver, speaks of how amazing the minds of the women who were to create these weavings in the past. They didn’t have the same information and access as the women do today. Weavers of the past had incredible patience and imagination in order to create the designs they did. Nikos Zacharakis, MA in Folk Culture, University of Ioannina, discussed the transformative impact of weaving on women in the village. Through weaving, these women found an avenue to break free from the confines of their homes and to craft something of value that helped support their families.