The guitar of Baixo Alentejo (Portugal) - a journey into botanical traditions

Authors

  • Ana Paula Figueira IHC and Lab In2Past, FCSH Nova University of Lisbon, Avenida de Berna, Lisbon, Portugal
  • Luis Carvalho Beja Polytecnic University
  • Víctor Figueira
  • Francisca Maria Fernandes IHC and Lab In2Past, FCSH Nova University of Lisbon, Avenida de Berna, Lisbon, Portugal
  • Maria de Fátima Nunes

Abstract

In Baixo Alentejo, a historic province in southern Portugal, musical traditions are deeply intertwined with nature, particularly through a local chordophone known as the campaniça guitar, crafted from both exotic and native Portuguese woods. This distinctive guitar, commonly played at rural festivals to provide harmony and rhythm to improvised songs, represents a centuries-old tradition that connects Portuguese culture with plant resources. Although the campaniça faced a decline in popularity towards the end of the 20th century, a revivalist movement played a crucial role in ensuring its survival. More recently, cultural centers in Castro Verde and Odemira have been established to safeguard this unique musical heritage, inspiring future generations to preserve and innovate within the tradition.

Keywords: campaniça guitar, Baixo Alentejo, traditional music, ethnomusicology, ethnobotanical memory.

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Published

2025-01-27

How to Cite

Figueira, A. P. ., Carvalho, L., Figueira, V. ., Fernandes, F. M., & Nunes, M. de F. (2025). The guitar of Baixo Alentejo (Portugal) - a journey into botanical traditions. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 30, 1–11. Retrieved from https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/6749

Issue

Vol. 30 (2025)

Section

Notes on Ethnobotany

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