Lúcia Nogueira Sousa is the face behind Cooperativa Artesanal Incluir.
Since 2005, the cooperative has been providing training in weaving, pottery, and Arraiolos embroidery to those in need of both personal and professional support.
At its headquarters, near the Castelo de Paiva Industrial Association, Alcinda, Aurora, and Clara skilfully work three traditional looms. “They learned from one another and weave just as it was done in the past,” explains Lúcia, their mentor and trainer.
In the pottery workshop, a small team of artisans crafts roasting dishes and functional clayware, used in local restaurants to prepare traditional dishes like roast kid and baked rice.
From Octant Douro, you can discover these unique, colourful rugs and handmade ceramics, available at the Cooperative’s headquarters at accessible prices—a chance to support both heritage and community.
