Museum of Fire and Resin

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Castelo Branco > Vila de Rei > Vila de Rei > Centro

Location

The Fire and Resin Museum is located in the heart of Vila de Rei, within its historic center. The building that houses it has its own history, having previously served as a School Delegation and, later, as the Portuguese Youth Institute, before being adapted for its current museological function.

Its central location offers a starting point for understanding the essence of the village and its surroundings.

Fire as a Pillar of Humanity

This museum space invites visitors on a journey through the origins of fire and its intrinsic connection with the history of humanity. The museum unveils fire's transformative role in human evolution, from its use in food preparation, a fundamental step for brain development, to its application in ancient technologies.

It is an opportunity to understand how mastering this element allowed humans to mold clay into ceramics, metal into tools, and water into steam, opening doors to a universe of new possibilities that continue to expand today.

Fire and the Territory of Vila de Rei

The museum's narrative intertwines the universal history of fire with the specific trajectory of the Vila de Rei territory. Local archaeological evidence, dating back approximately three thousand years, reveals the importance of fire in the lives of Bronze Age communities, such as Cerro do Castelo, whose existence was shaped by this element, leading to the construction of defensive structures. This period, troubled by the exploitation of mineral resources, demonstrates fire's centrality in the society of that era.

Beyond daily life, fire also marked funeral rituals. The practice of cremation, evidenced by findings such as the 'mamoas' (burial mounds) in the parishes of Fundada and Vila de Rei, offers a perspective on the population's complex relationship with death and its symbolism through fire, thousands of years ago.

Memories of the Forest and its People

A significant part of the exhibition is dedicated to the region's relationship with the forest and resin tapping, a traditional art deeply connected to the Vila de Rei territory. The museum illustrates the lives of the resin tappers and the importance of this raw material, fundamental for the local economy and the daily lives of its people.

The museum space also houses collections that bear witness to these narratives: archaeological artifacts resulting from surveys conducted in the municipality, original tools used by resin tappers, and a notable collection of matchboxes, with examples dating back to the 19th century. Additionally, old firefighting equipment, belonging to the Vila de Rei Volunteer Firefighters, highlights the dual nature of fire, both vital for life and a force to be controlled, and the dedication of those who protect the forest.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt