lieskové luby

Hazel strips (lieskové lúby) are a natural plant-based material obtained by peeling long, straight shoots from the common hazel (Corylus avellana). They belong to traditional basketry raw materials in Central Europe. Their history is linked to the development of craft basket weaving, where they served as a popular alternative to willow rods or conifer roots. They were widely used in folk culture during the 18th and 19th centuries, especially for making household utility and decorative items. Processing involves selecting and harvesting young, straight shoots, which are soaked in water to increase flexibility. The rods are then peeled and cut into narrow, long strips (lúby), which are dried and stored depending on their intended use. Once prepared, the material is used for hand weaving and plaiting. In the textile sector, hazel strips are mainly used in technical and decorative applications: they serve for weaving baskets, containers, mats, structural fillings, or as a natural reinforcement combined with other materials. They are valued for their strength, flexibility, ecological character, and sustainability.