Oliveira, the Holly Tree

In 2022, at the invitation of Pórtico magazine, we developed a visual essay on the olive tree and its culture in Trás-os-Montes in dialogue with a text by the poet Diogo Vaz Pinto. We were interested in observing the work, the spaces, the tools, the languages — but also the gestures, often performative and almost theatrical, which we sought to highlight.

The culture of the olive tree is so deeply rooted in the daily life of the northeast of Portugal that it shapes habits, tools, ways of expression, forms of religiosity, and shared rituals.

"The manta is a way to gently catch and contain the olives as they fall from the branches. This object, often over 20 meters long, is frequently stitched. There is an elaborate way of darning it, and sometimes old blankets are used to patch up larger tears. Beyond being a utilitarian tool, it is also an object of affection.

The smaller poles, being more agile, are used to beat the inner parts of the tree and by those who climb the olive tree. The longer poles are for the taller harvesters, who stay on the outside and reach the less accessible branches

"Mamões" are small shoots that grow at the base of the olive tree. It is said that if they grow too much, they sap the vitality from the rest of the tree. Sometimes, olive grove owners let livestock in to graze on them

Monos are objects hung on olive trees, shaped like small bundles, used to signal to shepherds that livestock are not allowed to enter the olive grove. This simple form of signage helps preserve the olive tree shoots and young trees, which are within reach of the animals