The golden age of craftmanship in Almería occurred between the 7th and 15th centuries, under Muslim al-Andalus. As part of the Kingdom of Granada, Almería provided marble from the quarries at Macael for countless buildings, including the Alhambra. Few Spanish crafts have the historical tradition and present prestige that marble from Macale has; that area now holds the principal concentration of quarries and workshops in Spain. A large variety of ornaments and objects are made, from fountains and lamp to chess boards. Though Macale is the main centre, Olula del Río, Cantoria and Vera are close behind.
Pottery is an important inheritance from Muslim times. The same kilns used eight centuries ago are still baking today at Albox, Níjar, Sorbas, Alhabia and Almería. The production of pottery is similir in all there places, as are the means and methods of working. The more traditional objects are ewers, jars, large bowls, casseroles, pitchers with spouts and handles and plates; whereas their initial usefulness is disappearing, they are much demanded for purposes of decoration. To these objects must be added the Indalo, a figure which has become the symbol of the province. "Jarapas" are associated with Níjar, they are light carpets made from woven leftovers of cotton, sometimes used has blankets or hangings. Nowadays, esparto work has all but disapeared, though some characteristics objects can still be found in Huécija, Tabernas and Almería. Lastly, the wood-cavers should not be forgotten, thanks to whom splendid images can stil be admired during the Easter processions.
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