AGRICULTURE

Historically, one of the most important pillars on which the Alpujarra has based its economy has been the agriculture and the livestock. In this way, the Alpujarra is a self-sufficient society. 

It begins in the Neolithic period. From those moments, the traditional agricultural practices have been the same in that area. The great Andalusian farmers made terraces, expanded the irrigation by means of canals and introduced a wide variety of products. 

The structure of the property of the land is, generally, smallholder. The small size of the parcels that the farmers have adapted to the peculiarities of the land and the availability of water is noted. 

The diversity of the territory and the daring use of the water have allowed to grow a wide variety of corals, fruits and vegetables. 

Terraces, paratas and balates

With the objective of facilitating the irrigated farming in an uneven area, the crops are placed in parcels called terraces or paratas (small and narrow terraces). These are built like platforms that are hold by balates or stonewalls, which are necessary here due to the erosion of the land.  

The extensive network of canals

These are infrastructures to get and distribute water from the peaks (from the ice melting of the mountain). They permit to have water in the times of drought. The typology includes main canals, secondary ones, as well as careo canals. 

The slopes in all directions and heights distribute them. They direct the water to the ponds and water tanks, cisterns and arable areas, where the traditional irrigating system is the flooding one. These lands require short and frequent watering. 

The Threshing Floor 

These places are located in high and open spaces. Generally, their usage is communal and their morphology is circular. Traditionally, they have been used for cereal threshing (in occasions for dry leguminous plants too). The cereal is cut and sheaves are made.  

The Royal Roads 

In the network of paths and roads of the Alpujarra, there are some roads, associated with the agriculture, that go to the pagos (agricultural areas into which the municipalities are divided, depending on the irrigating zones).

 

LIVESTOCK 

The traditional livestock in the region has allowed a great exploitation of its accidental territory. Together with the agricultural activity, it has allowed to keep a good level of fertility in the land.

More generalised since the Castilian conquer and the subsequent repopulation, normally each family, with the exception of the big farmers, will count on small flocks for personal consumption mainly.

Among the types of livestock the caprine, ovine, bovine and porcine are found.  

Livestock movement

The livestock movement, for the livestock to be fed, is necessary in an area of big territorial diversity and big weather differences associated to it. There are two variables established:

- Transhumance. Movement out of the region, covering large distances. 

- Transterminance. Seasonal movements of short distances. 

Livestock usage constructions

- Abrevoirs.

- Cisterns.

- Swamps.

- Pens.

- Shelters.

Cattle tracks

These are fundamental for the development of the livestock movement. They are built in a wide regional road network, that is inserted in a bigger one, the regional, through big itineraries. 

 

MINING AND METALLURGY

Both activities have been documented in the region since the Prehistory, when the mining richness of the area was already well known. Human groups belonging to Los Millares culture and the Argaric culture (Bronze Age) already developed these mining activities.  Iberians, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Andalusians have also been exploiting the resources of the area. 

There are many archaeological sites related to these activities. In these places, there is a large archaeological register composed of ovens, crucibles, moulds, ingots, oil lamps, chandeliers and varied utensils. 

The later centuries are marked by the control of the institutions in relation to the exploitation of mineral resources. In the 19th century, the interior mining would be boosted. Then, there would be an important mining activity. Its decline would be evident in the 20th century. 

Exploited minerals

- Iron. Busquístas-Almegíjar, Bérchules, Trevélez, Abla, Laujar de Andarax. 

- Lead and silver. Lújar mountains, Contraviesa and Gádor. 

- Fluorite. Berja, Laujar, Almócita, Orgiva. 

- Zinc. Alcora-Canjáyar, Padules, Alcolea.

- Sulfur. Gádor.

- Mercury-Cinnabar. Albuñol, Gádor, Juviles, Cástaras.

- Copper. Albondón, Fuente Victoria.

- Alum. Alboloduy.

The transformation of the metals, derived of a part of the mining, is associated mainly to iron and lead and, to a minor extent, to mercury and cinnabar. 

There were foundries in several parts of the region. One of the most important ones is the Royal Foundry of Alcora (Canjáyar).

The traditional iron metallurgy is represented by a number of blacksmith’s and metal workshops. Normally these places are located next to rivers and mining spaces to foster the supply of raw materials.  

 

CRAFTWORK

Craftwork is one of the most important cultural demonstrations of the Alpujarra. Still nowadays, craftsmen can be found in the villages. Together with the traditional techniques of previous centuries, they have developed other craftworks (elaboration of jewellery and costume jewellery, clothes, accessories, decorative objects, etc.). 

These daily and familiar activities that are focused on self-sufficiency are being more and more valued outside each time. Next, the most important ones are presented. 

Craftwork with Vegetal Fibres

Even though the esparto and the wicker stand out, other fibres of vegetal origin such as hemp, jute or pita are used to obtain different types of baskets, ropes and sandals. 

Carpentry

Handmade carpentry, in some occasions, follows the patterns of Mudejar style in relation to the carving and the proceeding in general. Furniture and different utensils are made. 

Saddlery 

The saddler makes items with leather that have different utilities, such as roundups for the harness of the horses and to drag carriages, horse saddles, etc. 

Quarrying

It focuses primarily on the development of blocks of stones made with stones from the area such as sandstone, limestone or conglomerate. Traditional quarrying of slate has always had of great importance in the region.

Looms

In the looms, heirs of a rich tradition, fabrics made with wool, linen or silk of various colours and stripes of different widths are made. Sometimes floral, animal or plant decoration appears. Apart form the popular jarapas, blankets, pillows, carpets, saddlebags and carpets are made.

Pottery

In many archaeological sites, attributable to different cultures, domestic pottery and ceramics applied to architecture has appeared.

In the pottery workshops of the Alpujarra, the Andalusian legacy lives on through the manufacturing and decorative techniques. Pieces made with medieval techniques join together the typical pottery of Granada and have a variety of types (earthenware bowl, clay pot, jug, clay jar, etc.), which stand out for its simplicity and purity of form.