“A people without knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots.” Marcus Garvey
WHAT IS LOST CULTURES, FORGOTTEN HEROES?
I was born in 1961 at our family home in Blackwater, a small village on the outskirts of Camberley, England. The town’s history can be traced back to before the 17th century, but the rural area I grew up in was strongly influenced by the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst which was established in 1812 when the Junior Department of the Royal Military College moved from Great Marlow into new buildings designed by James Wyatt.
During the last (nearly) six decades, I have seen rural architecture change, watched new highways carve through the countryside, seen steam engines leave the rails, and witnessed master craftsmen succumbing to modern technology. The local butcher’s shop and the milkman in his three-wheeler electric float have been replaced by supermarkets, mass- produced fast food and 24/7 availability. When did I last hear the hooves of a shire horse pulling coal? Are the changes al- ways for the better? What about the traditions that have influenced society over the centuries and are now on the brink of extinction?
History is fading right before our eyes.
Lost Cultures, Forgotten Heroes recounts my journeys through countries which, upon first impression, may seem unlikely targets when comtemplating the preservation of cultural heritage. Unlikely, because the countries are within grasping distance and not immediately recognised as harbouring promise of exotic or ethnic traditions.
This series of documentaries addresses the consequences of modern society which, if left to its own devices, may ultimately lead to the total eradication of ancient traditions responsible for characterising communities, regions and countries. Follow our investigations into some of the lesser known heroes who played significant roles in shaping their society and whose memories are becoming more obscure as education, media and society itself encourage us to yearn for things we never had and disregard from whence we came.
Lost Cultures, Forgotten Heroes is an eye-opener and re- minds us there is a world of surprise and adventure beyond our smartphones, tablets, and TVs. A colourful world full of flavour and emotion.
PORTUGAL
Taking example from other projects we have published elsewhere, such as the exploration of legionary forts in North Africa (Pistenkuh) or the research and recording of engravings and paintings at Uweinat, Libya (Tom Sheppard), we are embarking on our next adventure to draw attention to traditions now threatened in their existence as younger generations leave their communities and heritage behind them in favour of the seemingly more rewarding metropoles.
Where better to embark on such an endeavour than in Europe’s oldest country, Portugal.
A country whose borders have remained unchanged since 1249; the capital, Lisbon, is the second oldest after Athens; the Romans struggled for 200 years to conquer what was then known as Lusitania saying in Iberia, there is a tribe that neither governs itself nor lets itself be governed.
Portugal is rich with influence from the world over, reaching even beyond 1494 when the new world was divided between Spain, taking the west, and Portugal, the east (including Brazil, Africa, and Asia). Today, many are unaware that the Portuguese were the first Europeans to reach Japan, introducing culinary skills such as Tempura. Even the Japanese word for thank you, arigato, stems from the Portuguese obrigado.
Who knows that the north of Portugal was influenced by Celtic traditions some of which are still observed today; the area surrounding Bragança has its own officially recognised language; why sausages in one area are traditionally made solely of game meat? Who is aware of the selfless and courageous undertakings of Aristides de Sousa Mendes during the second world war?
Questions that lead us to the many characteristics which have shaped the Portuguese and Portugal itself.
Join us as we explore the backlands, rub shoulders with the locals, and listen to the reminiscing of fading generations.
