Rafael Cosío

Rafa is one of the last remaining albarqueros in Spain.

Born and raised in Cantabria, he began carving albarcas at the age of 16. After working in the mines as a young man, he returned to his true passion: woodworking. Now 80, Rafa continues to craft albarcas by hand in his small workshop, more out of love for the craft than necessity. His work has reached celebrities, been exported to Mexico, and even been made for Spain’s former king. With every pair he carves, Rafa keeps alive a tradition that endures against time.