Monte compartido, monte dividido. Apropiación y gestión de un paisaje de montaña: Los seles de la sierra de Hernio (País Vasco), siglos XIV-XIX

Abstract

Mountain landscapes reflect the interaction between human groups and their environment. This relation relies on social practices aimed at the appropriation and management of mountain resources, like agriculture, forestry, and husbandry. This paper proposes a reconsideration of mountain landscapes in the Atlantic sector of the Basque Country as highly anthropized spaces, defined by a constant intersection of social actors and practices. The combined study of documentary sources, toponymy and a surficial archaeological survey allows for the recognition of different historical processes. These are linked to collective management of mountain resources, arbitration as a mean of conflict resolution, or regulation of diverse and complementary land uses. All this has permitted to partially overcome the apparent illegibility of a highly diversified and fragmented landscape.