Manuel Monteserín Santín
ACTIVITY
The thatcher Manuel Monteserín makes rye-straw thatch roofs (called teitos) using the age-old techniques of the Galician Massif, preserved in isolated parts of El Bierzo and the district of Cervantes. These are the traditional roofs of palloza timbered stone houses with straw-thatch roofs.
He also makes… timber frameworks for thatch or slate roofs, as well as wooden furniture: tables, counters, benches, etc. He also builds and restores hórreo staddle-stone granaries.
Manuel has moreover produced several archaeological recreations: the fortified settlements of Castro de Santa Tegra, Castro de Vigo and Ribeira, the Campo Lameiro prehistoric settlement, etc.
TRAINING
He was trained by several master thatchers: Dositeo de Cantejeira, Ramón de Campo del Agua and Manolo de Chan de Villar, although a vital part of his learning also came from sharing experiences with the thatchers of Piornedo.
In woodwork he is self-taught.
SELECTED WORK
Fortified settlements of Castro de Santa Tegra and Castro de Vigo, Campo Lameiro prehistoric settlement, Hórreo Museum in Grandas de Salime, archaeological recreation of Ribeira and Palloza de Chis thatched hut in Balboa.
