Senderos Isleños | El salto del pastor (1996)

The Resilience of the Islander: A Historical Perspective

The Connection to Nature and Tradition

• The narrative begins with a reflection on the past, highlighting the companionship of an islander and his dog while preparing for challenges using traditional tools like a spear.

• It discusses how ancient islanders adapted to their environment, showcasing their ingenuity in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

• Historical accounts reveal that pre-Hispanic shepherds used long staffs to navigate difficult terrains, emphasizing the importance of these tools in their daily lives.

• Various historians and chroniclers document the use of spears among indigenous Canarians, linking it to pastoral culture and survival strategies.

• The tradition of using wooden staffs persists today among shepherds, illustrating a deep-rooted connection between past practices and present-day adaptations.

Crafting Traditional Tools

• Different regions within the Canary Islands have unique names for these tools; they are crafted from specific types of wood chosen for their durability and suitability.

• Pastoralists traditionally made their own tools, selecting appropriate materials from local flora based on historical knowledge passed down through generations.

• A group of expert shepherds identifies suitable pine trees for crafting spears, demonstrating ongoing respect for natural resources and traditional methods.

• Careful selection processes are highlighted as crucial; choosing the right tree can significantly impact the effectiveness of the spear during its use in herding or navigating terrain.

• Specific timing for harvesting wood is emphasized; traditional practices dictate cutting during certain lunar phases to ensure optimal quality.

The Art of Spear Making

• Anecdotes about personal experiences illustrate how traditional knowledge influences modern practices in spear making among local communities.

The Process of Crafting a Traditional Lanza

Harvesting and Preparing the Wood

• The process begins with cutting down a pine tree, which is then split open to access its fibers. A small amount of wine is used as a morale booster for the workers.

• After splitting the wood into four sections, the heartwood is discarded. The white part, known as "cospe," is ideal for making spears, taking nearly five hours from felling to obtaining this usable wood.

• The wood must be left exposed to air for over a year to dry out its resin. Some prefer drying it in shade and indoors to prevent cracking, although this method takes longer.

Tools and Techniques in Woodworking

• Before carpentry begins, tools like regatones (points) are crafted at the blacksmith's shop. These can be custom-made or produced when time allows.

• Rael Fernández introduces us to his forge where traditional techniques are employed to create spear points amidst the sounds of hammering and fire.

Construction of the Lanza

• Once both wood and regatón are ready, carpenters fit them together precisely using nails or screws while ensuring no gaps remain.

• Carpenters must work along the grain of the wood during planing; improper technique can lead to defects that affect performance.

Finishing Touches on the Lanza

• Polishing involves using various tools starting with a rasp followed by sandpaper until achieving a smooth finish; even minor imperfections can cause dangerous splinters.

• Greasing is essential for preserving wood quality and enhancing sliding ability; sheep fat is preferred but other types may also suffice.

Usage of Lanzas in Pastoral Life

• There are no fixed measurements for lanzas; their lengths vary between two and four meters based on terrain requirements.

• In La Gomera, shepherds use whistling (silbido) as a means of communication across distances while employing lanzas for navigating difficult landscapes.

Mechanics of Using a Lanza

Lanza y su Uso en el Pastoreo

Técnica de Sostenimiento de la Lanza

• La lanza debe sujetarse con las palmas hacia arriba, asegurando que siempre esté orientada hacia afuera.

• Es crucial mantener la lanza muy próxima al cuerpo para facilitar el control y la intimidad durante su uso. Esto permite una mejor maniobrabilidad en terrenos difíciles.

Desplazamiento y Equilibrio

• Caminar en armonía con la lanza es fundamental para conservar la integridad física del pastor; cualquier fallo puede resultar fatal.

• Los pastores pueden desplazarse grandes distancias rápidamente, adaptando su estilo según las características del terreno.

Superación de Obstáculos

• La lanza se utiliza para superar obstáculos, fijándose en lugares seguros y ayudando a descender por riscos cortados.

• Se describen diferentes formas de caer al deslizarse por la lanza, como "caer a pie" o "caer de banda", dependiendo de cómo se posicionan los pies.

Técnicas Avanzadas

• El salto conocido como "regatón muerto" permite descensos rápidos por abismos, donde el pastor clava la punta de la lanza en hoyos marcados.

• En terrenos difíciles, los pastores utilizan esta técnica para tocar tierra con los pies antes de realizar otro salto hasta llegar al fondo.

Usos Culturales y Tradicionales

• Aunque se usa principalmente en actividades pastoriles, también tiene relevancia cultural durante festividades y romerías.

• La habilidad con la lanza ha dado lugar a juegos tradicionales entre pastores que requieren agilidad y fuerza.

Reflexiones sobre el Futuro del Pastoreo

The Tradition of Salto del Pastor in the Canary Islands

Youth Engagement in Salto del Pastor

• Groups of young people across the islands dedicate their leisure time to the noble sport of salto del pastor, showcasing their passion and commitment.

• Young practitioners engage with experienced shepherds, learning from their wisdom and experiences while honing their jumping skills on challenging terrains.

Connection with Nature

• Participants demonstrate enthusiasm, ingenuity, and intelligence as they navigate the natural landscapes of Gran Canaria, embodying a harmonious relationship with nature.

• Talionoda has extensively researched this traditional practice linked to pastoral life, emphasizing its historical significance and practical utility.

Evolution of Practices

• Many older shepherds have ceased jumping due to age and changing lifestyles; however, there is hope for younger generations continuing this tradition.

• The sport requires balance, precision, height, and speed—qualities that can be cultivated through practice while preserving cultural heritage.

Preservation Efforts

• Youngsters are encouraged to carry their tools (lances or garrots), which is essential for keeping the tradition alive during outdoor activities.

• Despite some past practitioners fading away from active participation, notable examples like Hulogio Martín's jumps highlight ongoing beauty in this cultural expression.

Current Challenges and Future Prospects

• Some areas see fewer active jumpers; however, individuals like Quico continue to participate passionately in local traditions despite physical limitations.

Community Involvement