Basque ethnography at a glance

Fountain of Zeberio. Author: Izail Perez Junkera.

This article is based on the master’s thesis for the Master’s Program in Cultural and Natural Heritage Management at the International University of La Rioja. The title of the project was: “Proposal for the documentation, inventory, and assessment of the fountains and springs of Zeberio.” This research proposal focused on three main aspects: first, collecting detailed documentation, considering historical, geological, geographical, and cultural information about the fountains and springs of Zeberio; second, the creation of a systematic database based on the content of the previous section; and third, the proper enhancement of the springs. The project aimed to compile strategies for the conservation and promotion of these water resources, prioritizing their protection. Another objective was to create educational materials and thematic routes for educational centers.

Water is a source of life for humanity. Since the first human settlements, the relationship between water and civilization has been directly linked all throughout history. Water has been a decisive factor in the construction and consolidation of civilizations, influencing the formation of urban settlements, the creation of economic and political models, and the relationship with the land. Water is one of the essential factors for human relations and human survival.

In Zeberio, as in other parts of the world, water was not only used for human consumption; springs have also served as troughs for livestock, places for washing clothes, or have been used as spas due to their medicinal properties. For this reason, wash houses or troughs and the remains of spa baths have been found near several springs in Zeberio.

It is important to distinguish the source of the spring, primarily based on its origin and characteristics. A spring is a natural area where groundwater emerges from the earth’s surface. A fountain on the other hand, is an artificial structure designed by humans to provide their needs. Fountains are created to make water readily available. Therefore, the main difference is that a spring is a natural phenomenon, and a fountain is a human creation to facilitate access to water.

Fountain of Zeberio. Author: Izail Perez Junkera.

In the case of Zeberio, a documentary mention of a spring appears on a topographic map from 1771. In the map’s legend, the letter “P” refers to a spring called Abeur (PARES, Planos y Dibujos Desglosados, 696; Bizkaiko Aretoa 1275.0002/1276.0001).

As Peña Santiago says: “Springs have been one of the essential elements of life in our villages for many years; and, in the same way, their existence, to a greater or lesser extent, has influenced the construction of the baserri (Basque farmhouse).” The village of Zeberio is no exception, and therefore, of the nearly 70 inhabited areas that exist, many are located near one of the fountains.

The most important thing in determining the type of spring water is the diversity of mineral springs, which vary depending on the soil they flow through. For this reason, Zeberio can be divided into four groups: sulfurous, ferruginous, limestone, and salt springs.

Examples of sulfurous springs (uratsa) are Tellerikoa, in the Gesala neighborhood, which is still in use; and Ugarte, which is part of a spa that no longer exists. As an example of a salt spring, only the waters of Gesala remain. These waters were used in a spa built in the 19th century and survived until the 1930s. Among the limestone springs, the one in the Ereñotza neighborhood (called Iturribaltzaga in a 1556 document) and the one in the Uriondo neighborhood, which has an inscription from 1761 on its façade, stand out; as well as some stone pieces used as washbasin and a trough. Ferruginous springs (in Basque, metalure or burdinure) are the most abundant and can be found scattered throughout several neighborhoods: Santa Kurtze, Arkulanda, Areiltza, Zabalebekoa, Solatxi, Sautuola, Egia, Zubialde…

We should consider springs and fountains not only as intangible heritage, but also as the natural and cultural heritage of a people. The wealth surrounding them is immense: place names—Iturrondo, Iturrigorri, Nagiturri, Zazpiturri(eta)—; legends such as lamiak (Basque sirens or water nymphs) and sorginak (Basque witches), verses… There are numerous uses and customs, all of which should be collected, recovered, and passed on through generations.

Izail Perez Junkera — Labayru Fundazioa