Many "taperas" also have a symbolic and emotional meaning for local communities, since they are part of their landscape and cultural heritage, so they should be preserved not only for their architecture but also for their ability to be important elements in cultural memory. of agricultural communities, as well as their identity and cultural roots.
Field "taperas" by Franco Casaccia. Photograph by Franco Casaccia.
Project description by Franco Casaccia
The project is simply an initiative of personal interest to document typical landscapes and constructions of the Pampas region in Argentina. It also aims to show how these are impacted by the socio-economic changes and new agricultural practices of current times.
Firmat is located in the vast expanse of Argentina's humid Pampa, between rolling fields and infinite horizons, where the "taperas" of the countryside stand, silent witnesses of the country's rural history. These ancient constructions, typically made of adobe or brick, once served as a refuge and center of activity in the vast Argentine plains.
Field "taperas" by Franco Casaccia. Photograph by Franco Casaccia.
However, the passage of time and changes in agricultural and livestock activities have left many of these taperas abandoned and deteriorated. Rural migration to urban areas, the discontinuation of traditional agricultural practices and the lack of maintenance have contributed to the decay of these structures, which are now struggling to remain standing. Despite this, there is growing interest in conserving and restoring these taperas as part of Argentina's historical and cultural heritage. Local organizations, conservation groups and governments are working to document, study and safeguard these constructions, recognizing their value as symbols of Argentine rural life and their importance for understanding the country's history and identity.
In addition to their historical value, many taperas also have symbolic and emotional meaning for local people, who see them as an essential part of their landscape and cultural heritage. Therefore, the preservation of these structures goes beyond architectural conservation, embracing also aspects of identity and cultural identity. In summary, the taperas de campo in Argentina represent both a challenge and an opportunity to preserve and celebrate the country's rich rural history. Through preservation and restoration efforts, it is hoped that these constructions will continue to tell the story of life in the Argentine pampas for future generations.