The recent opening of the first phase of rehabilitation of the Tobacco Deposits of Cádiz, which took place on April 22nd, has led to an ethnological research project. This project has materialized into an exhibition located in the space between platforms, exploring the history of this enclave and the tobacco activity, including a curious section on the cigar makers' own language.
The project contextualizes the tobacco activity within the social, economic, and cultural life of Cádiz during the 19th and 20th centuries. It allows for an understanding of the influence of this industry on the neighborhoods where it developed over almost three centuries.
The exhibition covers the birth of the tobacco industry in the city, its various locations, the construction of the deposits, the cigar production process, the socio-labor relations of the cigar makers, and the construction of a unique identity linked to the factory.
“"Hacer el niño: In the cigar makers' language, this meant rolling a cigar with the same precision and delicacy with which an expert midwife would wrap a newborn in swaddling clothes. This task was considered an art."
“"Caldo de gallina: This was how the tobacco cut or chopped tobacco was known in the Cádiz Factory. It received this name 'because it was very good'."
Among the highlighted terminology is 'cigarrera', the name given to the women who made cigars and cigarettes, who provided their own tools for the work. 'Hacer el niño' (making the baby) meant rolling a cigar with great precision, considered an art. 'Fardos' or 'tercios de tabaco' were bundles of leaves for transport and preservation. 'Tabaco de humo' (smoke tobacco) encompassed cigars, cigarettes, and cut tobacco, with cigars also known as 'torcidos' (twisted).
'Destajo' (piecework) defined the premium-based work system, where salary depended on production and quality. 'Caldo de gallina' (chicken broth) was the cut tobacco, appreciated for its good taste. 'Desvenado' or 'despalillado' involved removing the thick veins from the leaves. 'Moja' (wetting) moistened the leaves for handling, followed by 'oreado' (airing) to dry them to the right point. Finally, 'atado' (bundle) referred to each group of 51 cigars made, key to the salary.
