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José Arteta, the last of the taloaska makers. Author: Felix Mugurutza.

Until about four decades ago, before the disappearance of traditional shepherding, one of the most prized possessions of the shepherds from Gorbeia was the taloaska. It was, together with the makila (walking stick), the element that shepherds were most proud to show off in their huts, the most highly valued asset.

The taloaska is basically a kind of rectangular kneading trough, with a handle at one end, and it was used to knead the talo (similar to a Mexican corn tortilla) that was eaten during those endless stays in the sheepfold, as a substitute for bread, as it was only eaten when strictly necessary. Bread could not be made in the mountains, but the versatile talo could.

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