The tools of post-feudal Asturian villages may seem to us imbued with an ancient feel, and in a way, they are. However, the function they fulfilled in the community, and the energy they were capable of accumulating, served, among other basic purposes, to improve the quality and durability of clothing, generate power for grinding grain, and sharpen and shape iron. A little later, they would even generate electricity.
In the Taramundi council , and throughout western Asturias in general, the machinery and gears developed with a distinctive character near water sources . The swift currents of this land, the continuously sloping terrain, the rainfall, and the abundance of iron ore allowed this region to cleverly utilize natural resources to reduce the burden of manual labor.
Ethological set of Os Teixois
It clearly illustrates matters that were once commonplace but, in the light of modernity, never cease to amaze us. Those in charge have at their disposal an entire, perfectly preserved farmhouse. The upkeep of this place and some of its reconstructions are truly commendable, as is the dedication to the explanations, which we won't fully detail here so as not to spoil the experience. The best thing to do is go and experience it for yourself , because it's very difficult to understand without seeing it.
The fact that a single waterfall could simultaneously power a mill, a grindstone, a fulling mill, and a small-scale metalworking shop is quite remarkable. With fire and water , these primal elements, one could achieve levels of progress that we barely appreciate today. In the 18th century, rural communities were acutely aware of their importance; in fact, this entire hydraulic system was used communally, and without it, famines would not have been overcome, nor would they have had the tools necessary for farming. Nor would there have been advancements in clothing and footwear, with all that this entailed.
Contemporary demography is indebted to these improvements in the quality of life. Imagine if they had made those people without forges, without decks like Teixois, capable of molding anything and moved (more than 200 kilograms) with just pulling a rope once to open a gate and let the water run.
The canals and waterwheels were the lifeblood of this community, and a walk through this ethnographic complex confirms this.
Ski Museum
In Taramundi, we can also continue to observe in detail the old methods of production and hundreds of objects from that era by visiting the Esquíos Museum . This village has always been inhabited by blacksmith families. The extraordinary density of utensils, tools, typewriters, sewing machines, and looms typical of the region are a true treasure.
The 19th-century granary (a type of traditional Asturian granary) outside is unique in its decoration and beauty. This museum collection is run by the Lombardía family, who also own a cutlery workshop where three generations work together. Their most popular knives have brass handles.
The ethnographic trio of Taramundi is completed by the Mazonovo Mill Museum , which specializes in fostering direct visitor experience. Visitors can grind grain using reproductions of Celtic, Roman, African, and Chinese mills, pump water, and generate hydraulic power with their own hands.
After having visited this circuit, it comes out with the strange certainty that technology does not really belong to us, that it was invented when man appeared, and that above all it is indebted to nature. Imagine a world without water and without gravity.
Photos: official website Os Teixois.
Information:
Contact numbers: 696 440 640 - 608 248 913
Text: © Ramón Molleda for asturias.com
