Jet culture

Jet culture

The presence of high-quality jet deposits in Asturias enabled, since ancient times, its mining and artisanal use, giving rise to a culture centered around the properties of this unique mineral. Its believed protective nature generated strong demand for handcrafted creations, which were sold mainly outside the region, both in traditional forms like amulets and in more unique versions, as various pieces of jewelry

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Cultura del azabache

18/06/2025

18/06/2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7CzYi6DnR0 Campón, E., Fernández, C. J., & Solans, J. (1978). El azabache de los yacimientos de Oles (Asturias). Trabajos de Geología, (10), 161-167. Vevia, M. V. B. (2024). El azabache asturiano y la reina Victoria. ArqueoTimes, (9), 36-38. Mata, Á. F. (2005). Iconografía jacobea en azabache. Los Caminos de Santiago. Arte, Historia y Literatura, 169-212. Menéndez Menéndez, A. (2021, January). Aproximación al pasado, presente y futuro de la industria azabachera, un patrimonio cultural, material e inmaterial, en vías de extinción. In I Simposio anual de Patrimonio Natural y Cultural ICOMOS España (pp. 479-492). Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València.

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The traditional Asturian women's attire includes necklaces and earrings made of jet.

Carmen Pérez Maestro

Firstly, the knowledge of jet extraction, which was carried out by men until the mid-20th century. The raw pieces were extracted seasonally by the farmers themselves. The mines, which were of little significance, mainly consisted of small linear galleries following the mineral veins. Currently, jet mining is not permitted, and contemporary artisans work with the remnants of these extractions that remained on the surface. Secondly, the skill of stone carving, which was traditionally done with a chisel and is now performed with precision mechanical tools.

The lack of raw material makes the transmission of the craft easy and abundant. In rare cases, the artisan delegates the learning of all their techniques to one person, as the profession is in danger of extinction, despite having been recently declared a Cultural Heritage Asset in Asturias.There are practically no active jet artisans who are familiar with traditional carving methods using hand tools. Mechanical systems have been introduced, which are not deeply rooted in the tradition, leading to a delicate situation in this regard.

In the past, only men were involved in jet work, although it seems that it was the women who did the final touches on the pieces. Today, the majority of those engaged in this activity are women, and most of them combine jet work with other materials such as silver, also applying jewelry-making techniques.

Currently, the people of the region take pride in the existence of this artisanal tradition, despite the disagreements between the two existing associations. Jet continues to be seen as a protective element, which means that the pieces made from this material are valued not only for their beauty but also for their symbolic significance.

In Asturias, jet has a long tradition. The oldest pieces are documented in the Cave of Las Caldas, dating back 19,000 years to the Solutrean period. A jet bead was found in the tomb of Monte Areo (tomb XV), part of a burial set from the 5th millennium BC. Jet use is also documented in Camoca and Moriyón, near the Villaviciosa estuary, as well as in the Roman-era town of Veranes.Traditionally used as a symbol of protection and good fortune, jet was commonly worn by pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago from the 11th century onward. Oviedo, a key stop on the Camino Primitivo, became an important center for jet trade and craftsmanship. By the 14th century, Asturian workshops gained fame for the quality of their carvings.After the decline of the Camino de Santiago, jet gained a resurgence due to a historical event. Following the death of Prince Albert in 1861, mourning became fashionable in Victorian society as a symbol of support for Queen Victoria. This was not a passing trend, as she wore mourning attire for the rest of her life and made extravagant use of jet jewelry, which was ideal for this occasion.Today, jet is primarily used in jewelry, and one object that has continued from the past is the "mano" or "figa," whose protective symbolism still endures.

In 1999, "Acebache" was created in Villaviciosa, an association aimed at developing the jet tradition of Asturias. This collective includes not only artisans with their respective workshops, but also experts. In 2017, this association split, leading to the creation of "Azabache Jurásico de Villaviciosa," also composed of artisans and experts in this heritage.

Monographic Jet Fairs in Asturias:Ribadesella and Tazones host specialized fairs dedicated to Asturian jet, where artisans, experts, and enthusiasts gather to showcase and celebrate this traditional craft. These events highlight the historical and cultural significance of jet, featuring exhibitions, demonstrations, and handcrafted jewelry.The Azabache Fair of Oviedo is an other event that celebrates the tradition and craftsmanship of Asturian jet. Held in the historic center of the city, it brings together artisans, jewelers, and experts who showcase their handcrafted pieces

Surge of new technologies

Traditional carving techniques are no longer used; they have been replaced by mechanical methods.

Reduced practice

There is no generational continuity in learning the craft

Loss of knowledge,Material shortage,Loss of cultural significance

The prohibition of raw material extraction has led to very limited supplies. This has also resulted in the inclusion of other minerals, such as those from Turkey, which are not authentic Asturian Jurassic jet.

Jet is the most well-known and widespread gemstone found in Asturias. The area of Villaviciosa and Gijón is the epicenter of both its extraction and its transformation into jewelry pieces.The layers of jet are located in the highest sections of the Upper Jurassic, from the Kimmeridgian age, consisting of alternating sandstones, marls, and dark silty clays. It originated from woody trunks that were carried and deposited between the sandstones of the well-known Lastres Formation, although it is also found in the so-called La Ñora and Vega formations, in a transitional sedimentary environment.There are precedents for the recognition of the existence and quality of Asturias' jet in foreign scientific publications as early as the 19th century.

Figa or Jet Hand: Protective amulet against the evil eye and negative energies. Rosaries and Beads: Used in religious devotion, combining jet with other noble materials. Earrings and Pendants: Traditional and contemporary designs in which jet is set in silver. Brooches and Cameos: Finely carved pieces, especially popular during the Victorian period.

Gender Equality: Traditionally, jet craftsmanship was dominated by men, but today, many women are involved in the craft, often combining it with other materials like silver. This shift has provided women with opportunities for economic independence, skill development, and recognition as artisans.Community Development: The jet industry has supported local economies in Asturias, particularly in regions like Villaviciosa and Gijón. Craftsmanship creates jobs and stimulates local commerce, with fairs and exhibitions drawing attention to the region.

Use of Natural, Locally Sourced Materials: Jet is a natural material that has been traditionally sourced from the region of Asturias, specifically from the Jurassic period deposits. The use of locally sourced jet minimizes the environmental impact associated with transportation and supports local geology and heritage. As it is a non-renewable resource, its extraction has been regulated to ensure that it does not overly deplete local resources.Sustainable Craftsmanship Practices: The methods used by artisans today, although increasingly mechanical, often rely on precision tools and small-scale, localized production, as opposed to mass industrial production. Energy Efficiency: Traditional jet carving methods required hand tools, while modern mechanical tools (e.g., Dremels or carbide tools) are more energy-efficient than heavy industrial machinery. Though not fully sustainable in energy use, these tools consume far less energy than large-scale manufacturing processes.

The Azabache fairs and markets provide artisans with opportunities to showcase and sell their work, both locally and internationally. These events attract tourists and buyers interested in traditional craftsmanship, which expands market access for local artisans. Artisans working with jet often combine it with other materials such as silver or gold to create jewelry, which broadens their income potential. For example, artisans who produce traditional jet jewelry can also expand into contemporary designs to cater to different markets, diversifying their income sources.

Gender Equality,Decent Work and Economic Growth

Villaviciosa and Gijón area, Asturias, Spain

Both associations engage in promotional activities to spread awareness of Asturian jet craftsmanship, including organizing events, workshops, and demonstrations. Additionally, jet sales fairs are held, where artisans showcase and sell their handcrafted jet pieces, helping to preserve and promote this traditional craft.

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