Building a mud house

Pedasi hosted a special event: Junta de Embarra. An embarra is the building of a mud structure. The story goes, years ago a community would get together and build a mud house for newlyweds. It was constructed of clay and straw that was made into mud and plastered against a frame. This was a standard type of building until brick blocks came along. The building will last for many years (60+) and the interior will stay cool in the heat.

The frame was made of wood and bamboo.

At the event we attended, a group of men did the initial hard work. Breaking apart this packed dirt with shovels while others dumped water by bucket fulls.

Then the fun started. Everyone was invited to join in and help mix the water into the soil by stomping on it. Of course we had to try.

Once this was sufficiently mixed, straw was added. Stomped in and more added.

It did not take long to absorb the moisture.

And some people had to get pulled out of the muck!

Once it was all mixed up, the next step was putting the clay mixture on the wooden structure. All hands on deck were required to get it done before dark.

Amazing how quickly it took shape.

Everybody pitched in. All ages. Teamwork accomplished a lot in one afternoon.

And some needed a good rinsing at the end.

A fun day with food, drinks and music. A great tradition to keep alive.

We went home full of mud and sunshine.

Cheers

Ruth