Pérez Enciso Ethnographic Textile Museum

The Pérez Enciso is Extremadura's first ethnographic and anthropological museum. It was founded in 1984 mainly with items provided by Pedro Pérez Enciso, from Plasencia. The collection, which is named after him, includes over 5,000 pieces which will give you an in-depth understanding of the traditions of Cáceres.

Room 1 covers everything to do with the textile process. Here you will find utensils such as spinning wheels, looms or carding machines and their use in the manufacture of such pieces as saddlebags, sacks and jackets. You will also find on show farm implements, weights and scales, wooden chests and trunks, Guadalupe pottery or copper vessels and shepherds' garments, the highlight of which are the traditionally produced leather chaps from Malpartida in Plasencia.

You're bound to love the folk costumes from Montehermoso, Cabezabellosa and Torrejoncillo displayed in Room 2. By the way, the typical Montehermoso women's costume is the only one which has preserved the distinctive straw hat with or without a mirror.

In Room 3 you'll find a collection of homemade linen articles used in different ceremonies. You really shouldn't leave this room without taking a look at the collection of lacework: Needle lace, bobbin lace and knotted lace. They are true works of art created by the hands of the women of Plasencia.

And finally, Room 4 dedicated to the so-called scholarly textiles, that is, garments made from fine thread, damask, brocade, silk satin, velvet, gold and silver lace, etc. all created for ecclesiastical use and for courtiers.