To talk about Zamora is to talk about sheep, shepherding, shepherds and milk. It is synonymous with this culture that, although it has evolved and changed over the years in the province, it still maintains its essence and is part of its DNA.
Zamora is the land of sheep, but shepherding is a trade at high risk of disappearing because the lack of generational replacement casts doubt on the continuity of this activity in the future.
Currently, the province of Zamora has the largest number of sheep farms for milk production in the country and is the second largest national breeder of meat sheep, behind Extremadura.
The history of shepherding began when our ancestors raised sheep and goats to feed on their meat and milk, from which they could also make cheese. In addition, they obtained wool from the sheep to make warm clothing and produced manure that fertilized the fields.
TRASHUMANCIA
For many centuries, the flocks fed exclusively in the fields where they took advantage of pastures and stubble. They were led by the shepherd and at least two dogs until late in the afternoon, at which time they would begin to return.
Transhumance was born as a system of pasture use between the lowlands and the mountain passes. During autumn and winter they grazed in the lowlands and in late spring, when the food had run out, they went to the mountain passes where it was more abundant.
CLOTHING
In the work of the shepherds, the Iberian nomads, their clothing has always played a key role in order to be able to endure long days from sunrise to sunset in the countryside.
Although this has changed in recent years, the traditional clothing worn by shepherds in Zamora was:
- Blanket, a plaid sheep wool garment in black and white tones. The Zamoran blanket is one of the most characteristic elements of the culture and tradition of the city and the province. Zamora became a strategic point as a result of the transhumance from Extremadura to Valladolid.
Thus was born an important textile industry specialized in wool. The wool is 100% pure sheep’s wool, and the manufacturing process results in a lightweight fabric that retains warmth and is fully breathable. - Cachava or cayada, a straight stick that goes from the hip to the ground and that is used as an aid to be able to walk through the most complicated lands and terrains. It is also used to support and order livestock.
- Zahones, a one-piece cowhide garment, covering the belly and legs at the front. It has a cut in the middle area to facilitate the movement of the legs.
- Gaiters, made of cowhide, were worn over the pants as protection against the cold and undergrowth.
- Pellejos, used to protect the feet from humidity, are made of sheepskin and cover from the feet to the ankles.
- Peales, with thicker socks made of sheep’s wool that was spun by the shepherdesses.
- Abarcas, similar to sandals, but with foot support at the front. It is tied at the ankles with straps.
- Tapabocas, now known as scarf, woven with wool similar to that of blankets. With it, the shepherds covered their heads and necks.
- Beret, of black color that ended up being brown due to the incidence of the sun that generated a loss of color.
- Zurrón, where shepherds kept both food and other utensils.
Now, these garments are no longer used because their work has changed a lot and now they wear lighter clothes made of other fabrics.
But not only the shepherds’ clothing has changed with the passing of time, but also their daily tasks, since they used to leave early in the morning and did not return until sunset. During this time, the shepherds took the opportunity to make all kinds of handicrafts.
Now, the way of life of these herders has changed and these tasks have been replaced by other types of activities such as bureaucracy and paperwork that they must manage from a computer.
A profession at risk of disappearing in a province that is the national leader in sheep farming, with three sheep for every inhabitant. For this reason, the province faces the challenge of generational replacement in a sector that guarantees the maintenance of the population in the rural world and thus fights against the depopulation of Empty Spain.
