Two beautiful handmade capiz shell lanterns to gently light the patio on long summer evenings. The lantern casing fits over a wire tealight holder with handle and loop for hanging. From producers in the Philippines benefiting from marketing and export services. One natural, one green. Made in Philipinnes by Saffy Handicrafts
- Each lantern 14 x 10cm
- Never leave burning candles unattended
- Candles not supplied
What is Capiz?
Placuna placenta linnaeus is the most common of the 3 species of capiz shell found in the Philippines. Capiz is a shellfish that thrives in estuaries or semi-closed bodies of water. Also known as the Window Pane Shell because they are still visible in surviving Spanish buildings in the Philippines where they are extensively used as window panes due to their translucence and durability.
Summer is the best season to harvest capiz shells because the water is clear. Skilled divers grope for the capiz with their fingers & toes. Harvesting through diving is considered non-destructive, yet divers need to be educated to avoid picking juveniles. The shells are then shucked, cleaned, sorted and packed before they are sent for production. Once into production the shells are washed again, left to dry then baked in an oven, softened, whitened, moulded, shaped, sanded and painted.
Saffy Handicrafts have their workshops in Manila and employ women and men, making capiz and other craft items and sewing.
Generose Sanchez Suyao has worked at Saffy for almost ten years. She says, "working here develops me as a person and uplifts my dignity and respect as a worker. "
