In Arrifes, Bento Silva and his wife welcome all who arrive with the generosity of those who never close their door. Between conversations and laughter, they share stories of the land, while Bento, with hands weathered from years of work in the fields, weaves vimes and espadana, transforming them into pieces that preserve ancient knowledge.
From the fields where he tends to his dairy cattle, he brings the material, which softens in the furnas before taking shape in his hands. Since he was a child, he has been weaving rugs, pot holders, and flowers, keeping a nearly forgotten craft alive. At night, under the serene light of evening, he works for the Espírito Santo festivals, weaving tradition and devotion together.
At Octant Ponta Delgada, the authenticity of these hands and this knowledge is reflected in every detail. Stories shaped by time, like Bento Silva’s craftsmanship, are part of the soul of the Azores and of those who live here every day.
It is a joy to watch his thick, calloused hands—hardened by years of farm work—gently weave each strand, shaping intricate patterns with remarkable finesse. The concentration in his expression reveals his passion, as he brings to life designs of his own invention. Watching him, it all seems effortless. During quiet evenings, he continues weaving willow and esparto, crafting pieces as offerings for the Holy Spirit festivals or other local celebrations. Bento Silva’s serene gaze and his wife’s hearty laughter accompany the stories they share. In every handcrafted piece, there is a reflection of his world, his family, his heritage. From his hands come both homemade cheeses and the nearly forgotten craft of willow and esparto weaving, a tradition that still survives in São Miguel, thanks to artisans like him.
It is a joy to watch his thick, calloused hands—hardened by years of farm work—gently weave each strand, shaping intricate patterns with remarkable finesse. The concentration in his expression reveals his passion, as he brings to life designs of his own invention. Watching him, it all seems effortless. During quiet evenings, he continues weaving willow and esparto, crafting pieces as offerings for the Holy Spirit festivals or other local celebrations. Bento Silva’s serene gaze and his wife’s hearty laughter accompany the stories they share. In every handcrafted piece, there is a reflection of his world, his family, his heritage. From his hands come both homemade cheeses and the nearly forgotten craft of willow and esparto weaving, a tradition that still survives in São Miguel, thanks to artisans like him.
