Written piece
'Bizzilla/Maltese Lace'
Rachel Grech
Malta
About this piece
These are some thoughts and reflections on the craft of Maltese lace-making.
Bizzilla
Cream-coloured Spanish silk,
On an upright pillow (trajbu),
Crossed and twisted into geometric patterns
With wooden bobbins (ċombini).
The eight-pointed Maltese cross,
Representing our history and identity.
Wheat ear patterns,
Representing abundance.
Threads of silk,
Threads of fine linen,
Flowing patterns and intricate designs,
Telling stories of Mediterranean history.
Hand-made and time-intensive,
A lesson in patience.
An ancient craft,
No longer a common practice, but still alive.
Once a common sight in every village,
Now an important part of Maltese culture and heritage,
This is Maltese lace,
This is bizzilla.