ARTEFACT GALLERY #3.12
Nido de Fieltro
Proposed by: Olaya Alonso López (Researcher)
Espacio Tormaleo

Technical Specifications
Name
Nido de Fieltro / Felt Nest
Tipology
Textile
Authorship
Daniela Schmid, Con Xalda a lo loco (Crazy About Xalda), a project by Ecomuséu Ca l’Asturcón
Date or period:
2026
Materials:
100% Xalda sheep wool from the Ecomuséu Ca l’Asturcón flock, washed on site using rainwater. Natural colours and plant-based dyes made from locally sourced plants
Techniques:
Wet felting and dry needle felting techniques
Country/ region:
Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain
Related links:
Ecomuséu: https://asturcon-museo.es
Con xaldas y a lo loco: https://www.ecotur.es/ecoturismo/ruta-de-la-lana/con-xaldas-a-lo-loco_9318_3807_11924_0_1_in.html
Artisan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xaldaaloloco/
Xalda’s history: https://www.xalda.com/historia/
This artefact is unique because it is handcrafted entirely from 100% wool from the endangered Xalda sheep, an indigenous breed of Asturias, sourced from the flock kept at the Ecomuséu Ca l’Asturcón. The wool is washed on site using harvested rainwater, processed by hand, and naturally dyed with plants gathered from the surrounding landscape, resulting in a completely local and environmentally sustainable production process. Created using both wet felting and dry needle felting techniques, the piece embodies traditional knowledge while promoting biodiversity, animal conservation, and circular use of natural resources. Beyond its artistic value, it tells the story of the close relationship between people, native livestock, and the Asturian environment, helping to safeguard both intangible craft skills and the cultural heritage associated with the Xalda sheep.
DETAILS
Subtitle 1
Subtitle 2
Inspiration
The asturian Xalda sheep. (Source: ACOXA)
An artisan teases the Xalda sheep wool. (Source: Ca l’asturcón)
Location
The selection of this artefact is the responsibility of designer Maria Bruno Néo and is part of her doctoral work ‘A HISTÓRIA INCOMPLETA DO DESIGN PORTUGUÊS: CONTRIBUTOS PARA A INSCRIÇÃO DA DESIGNER HELENA CARDOSO/THE INCOMPLETE HISTORY OF PORTUGUESE DESIGN: CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE INSCRIPTION OF DESIGNER HELENA CARDOSO’ supervised by Professors Susana Barreto and Luís Mendonça, both from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Porto/Portugal.