World Heritage Site:
Costiera Amalfitana
Publication Year:
2021
Publication Type:
Article
Publication Identifier:
WHE5E1B43E172
Summary
A deep-rooted, symbiotic bond between women and the terraced landscape of the Amalfi Coast has been revealed, showcasing how rural women—termed 'Furmechelle' or 'little ants'—have sustained this unique environment through centuries. The study highlights their pivotal role in agricultural labor during prolonged male absences, fostering high autonomy and intricate knowledge of the terrain. Women’s endurance and pride in their work ('Avimmo faticato sempre') persist today, offering a potential model for landscape conservation. The research combines qualitative interviews with older women and ethnographic analysis to uncover this historical and cultural dynamic.
Citation
De Pasquale, G. (2021). Femmene minute cu' 'a forza 'e 'nu gigante (little women with a giant's power) in the terraced landscape of Amalfi Coast. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.7306802