Lindoso, Espigueiros L1005456

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The Lindoso Granaries date back from the 18th and 19th centuries. Contrary to what was often written by some that present them as an expression of community life, they are private and adjusted in its structure and volume to the possessions of each family. By having a look at the type of granary, also called “canastro”, one could guess to which house they would belong. However, due to several divisions this became quite difficult. In the past they were a privileged place for thieves, especially at times of cereal crisis. Their location, in a high place, did not obey to a community programme of corn distribution, but to the need of cereals’ ventilation and surveillance.
This daily surveillance of the cereals, of the vineyards, of the flour in mills and eventually also of fruit trees was carried out by policemen in a rotation scheme and / or by owners of houses that had vineyards, under the local authorities orders: president of the parish council, the janitor, etc.
The existence of sanctions and the surveillance system – evidence the lack of trust and confidence and also the idea that poor would steal/ rob the wealthiest – and this also conveyed the idea that there was a certain interest among the inhabitants. Only when deprivation and starvation were eliminated, and all the houses had a vineyard, did this surveillance system disappeared as it had no reason to exist.

Source: www.center.pt/imprensactr/estudo_187.pdf