Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Açores > Lagoa > Ribeira Chã
The Ethnographic Backyard is located in the village of Ribeira Chã, in the municipality of Lagoa, on the island of São Miguel. This unique space occupies a place of great significance in the parish, having been built on an embankment that covered a deep, 22-meter trench, using earth from the construction of the Pisão road. Its very foundation reflects an intervention in the local landscape and the ingenuity of the community.
At the heart of the Backyard, there is a space dedicated to the agricultural memory of Ribeira Chã. This place preserves a valuable collection of tools and artifacts that harken back to the practices cultivated in the region over the centuries. A particular focus is given to the cultivation of woad, a dye plant that was a source of great prosperity for the Azores in the 16th and 17th centuries, with Ribeira Chã being a fundamental production center. Visitors can observe the stone mills, drying trays, and scales used in the processing of this plant. In the annexed garden, woad specimens continue to be cultivated, allowing a direct visual connection with this part of history.
Alongside woad, the cultivation of wheat is also highlighted, being one of the first crops to be cultivated on a large scale on the island, with instruments such as the first mechanical thresher and the seeding machine illustrating its processing. Additionally, the Ethnographic Backyard explores the local winemaking tradition. Here, it is possible to discover the ancestral tools and techniques employed in the production and preservation of wine, revealing another aspect of the agricultural richness and know-how of the community.
The Ethnographic Backyard is an invitation to discover the traditions and trades that shaped life in Ribeira Chã. Various "booths" recreate ancient work and trade environments, such as a tavern, a shoemaker's shop, a grocery store, and a barbershop, offering a window into the daily life of bygone eras. There are also spaces dedicated to agricultural implements and a collection of antique toys, evoking nostalgia and curiosity.
The "House of Nativity Scenes" is one of the distinctive points, exhibiting a diversity of nativity scenes conceived by local artisans, using various materials. This exhibition reflects local devotion and creativity. In another pavilion, the "Handicraft House", visitors can observe the dedication of the more experienced community members in producing handmade works, keeping local arts and knowledge alive.
In addition to the ethnographic aspects, the Backyard dedicates a space to Azorean flora. A specific section highlights Azorean endemism, presenting plant species that are exclusive to these islands, some of which are being replanted to reverse their disappearance. The site also has an area dedicated to medicinal plants, where one can learn about the plant varieties traditionally used by the community for their therapeutic properties. This segment offers a perspective on the natural richness of the Azores and its interconnectedness with popular knowledge.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.720683,-25.4881442
Coordinates DMS: 37°43'14.5"N 25°29'17.3"W
Weather Ribeira Chã
On-duty Pharmacy Ribeira Chã
