Work

On a Sunday, how do I come up with a post about Work, which is the theme for the Sunday post challenge set by Jake this week? 

Well, my still small photo collection has come to the rescue.

While exploring the town of Alcácer do Sal, I came upon a panel of ceramic tiles along one of the main roads, Avenida José Saramago. It is a very long panel depicting some traditional features, animals and activities from this area of the Alentejo. 

Today I am just going to focus on the images of people at work. 

Many people used to work on the production of salt, extracting it from sea water, as the name of the town suggests - Alcácer do Sal (do Sal = of the salt).

Working on the production of salt.

Fishing was and still is a very important activity.

Fisherman at work.

The fish was traditionally sold by the women, who carried a basket on their head and went around the town selling door-to-door.

Traditional fish seller.

The Alentejo is well-known for its cork oak trees. The cork (outer bark) must be removed every 9 years and regenerates itself. Cork is used to make cork stoppers among other things.

Removing the bark from the cork oak tree.

The Alentejo is also known as the "breadbasket of Portugal" due to its cereal production.

No combine-harvesters in the not-too-distant past - just hard labour.

  

Looking at these people at work makes me appreciate just how nearly every job has been made lighter by machines. And yet, we still look forward to the weekend...