Museum of Peasant Civilization

The Museum of Peasant Civilization in Matera offers a fascinating journey through time, revealing the daily life and traditions of rural communities in Basilicata. Located in the heart of Sasso Barisano, this museum pays tribute to the resilience and creativity of the peasant world, a world that has shaped the cultural identity of the region for centuries. The museum was founded in 1998 by Donato Cascione, a local history enthusiast, with the aim of preserving and enhancing the cultural heritage related to peasant civilization. Cascione carefully collected numerous agricultural tools and equipment, furniture, household utensils, and other artifacts that testify to the rural life of the past. Thanks to his dedication, today the museum houses a vast and diverse collection covering a time span from the 19th to the 20th century.The entrance of the museum opens onto an ancient underground olive oil mill, a structure used for olive oil production. This environment, carved into the rock, is a perfect example of how peasant communities were able to exploit the geological characteristics of the territory for their productive activities. The mill, with its stone mills and presses, is still perfectly preserved and offers visitors a concrete idea of the hard work required for oil production.Continuing through the exhibition path, visitors enter a series of rooms that faithfully recreate peasant dwellings. Each room is furnished with period furniture and objects, showing how people lived in times when modern technology was nonexistent. The kitchens are perhaps the most fascinating rooms, with their stone fireplaces, copper pots, and wooden utensils. These spaces convey a sense of warmth and hospitality, evoking images of families gathered around the fire during cold winter evenings.One of the most interesting aspects of the museum is the section dedicated to ancient crafts. Here, visitors can discover the tools and techniques used by artisans such as the blacksmith, carpenter, cobbler, and tailor. Each craft is represented with a rich collection of tools and finished products, testifying to the skill and craftsmanship of workers from the past. This section offers a glimpse into the economic life of rural communities, highlighting the importance of craftsmanship in the subsistence of peasant families.Another section of the museum is dedicated to weaving and wool processing. Here, visitors can admire ancient looms, spinning wheels, and other tools used for the production of fabrics and clothing. Weaving was a fundamental activity in peasant communities, not only for the production of clothing, but also for the making of blankets, carpets, and other textile items essential for daily life. An example of the museum’s initiatives is the exhibition “Life in the Sassi,” which explores the history of the city of Matera and its inseparable connection with peasant civilization. The exhibition includes historical photographs, documents, and oral testimonies that recount daily life in the Sassi, highlighting the difficulties and challenges faced by local communities. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to understand how Matera has become a symbol of resilience and the ability of human communities to adapt.An interesting anecdote concerns the collection of objects displayed in the museum. Donato Cascione, during his research, often received spontaneous donations from the inhabitants of Matera who wanted to contribute to the preservation of the historical memory of their community. These gestures of generosity and participation have enriched the museum’s collection and created a strong bond between the museum and the local population.