Bear's Chair Silo

Category: Archaeology > Bee Shelter

District: Vila Real > Montalegre > Cabril > Xertelo

Location

The Bear Silha of Cadeiró is located in the Xertelo area, an area integrated into the locality of Cabril, in the municipality of Montalegre. This site is set in a rural and natural environment, characteristic of the mountain landscapes that define northern Portugal.

Its position offers a perspective of the local orography, where the presence of forest and scrubland areas is dominant, fundamental elements for understanding the context in which these structures were created.

The Purpose of the Silhas

The Bear Silha of Cadeiró is a remarkable example of a rural construction with a very specific purpose: to protect apiaries. These structures were designed to safeguard beehives and the production of honey and wax, preventing bears, once more numerous in the region, from accessing the hives.

It is composed of a stone wall, usually circular in shape, which surrounded and isolated the apiaries, creating an effective barrier against bears.

A Structure of Bygone Eras

Dating back to the Middle Ages, the bear silhas represent a valuable ethnographic heritage. They are a testament to the ingenious adaptation of local communities to life in nature and how they protected their resources.

The simplicity of their construction reflects a deep knowledge of animal behavior and an intelligent use of available materials. This silha, like others scattered throughout the region, demonstrates the persistence of ancestral techniques and knowledge, some of which remained in use until more recent times.

Dialogue with the Natural Landscape

The location of the Bear Silha of Cadeiró, similar to other such structures, was not random. Historically, these constructions were built in areas of dense scrubland, benefiting from good sun exposure, often oriented to the South or East, and close to springs or watercourses.

This strategic choice aimed to optimize conditions for the bees and, at the same time, integrate the silha harmoniously into the natural environment, as an example of coexistence and resource management of the territory.

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