The Atafona do Lourenço is one of the most emblematic elements of Corvo’s Ecomuseum heritage network, and the only surviving example of the five traditional atafonas that once existed on the island.
This traditional cereal-grinding mill is a key testimony to Corvo’s agricultural past, as cereal production sustained the local community for centuries and played a central role in the island’s economy and the payment of taxes.
It is a rustic mill powered by animal traction — typically oxen — operating through a simple system of two millstones, one fixed and the other rotating. This mechanism made it possible to grind cereals such as maize, wheat, rye, and rush seeds into flour.
More than a technological relic, the Atafona do Lourenço preserves the memory of Corvo’s rural daily life, highlighting the ingenuity of traditional practices and the strong connection between the community and its natural resources.
As part of the Ecomuseum’s interpretive route, this site contributes to understanding and valuing both the tangible and intangible heritage of the island, reinforcing the importance of preserving ancestral techniques and knowledge.
