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Operators at telephone exchange. Vitoria-Gasteiz, 1926. Fundación Telefónica Photographic Archive.

It is commonplace to talk about the significant progress made in communication. Field research conducted in 1997 includes data gathered to a shepherd from the neighbourhood of Bernagoitia in Amorebieta-Etxano (Bizkaia) and reveals the use of an old method of communication.

As the flock grazed near the farmhouse or the camp during transterminance, and provided that sites messages were sent from and received were within sight, the messaging procedure prevented unnecessary journeys, spreading a white sheet or piece of clothing on the field being the signal, known as zeinea, to either confirm or rule out information previously agreed upon. (more…)