Acta Scientiarum Polonorum
Silvarum Colendarum Ratio et Industria Lignaria

Aim. This study documents the historical role and present-day recovery of pitch and tar production in Quintanar de la Sierra (Burgos, Spain), with particular attention to the Mataca kiln and its relationship with communal forestry and the Royal Bitumen Factory. Study type. The paper is presented as a historical and ethnographic case study with a descriptive and interpretative approach. Methods. The analysis combines historical information on the Royal Guild of Carters, the Royal Bitumen Factory and Navy forest management; local documentary and heritage materials compiled by Cabaña Real de Carreteros; field documentation of restored kiln infrastructure; and ethnographic observation of pitchmaking demonstrations and related heritage activities. Main findings. Quintanar de la Sierra preserves an exceptional concentration of resin-related forest infrastructure. Within its 5,500-hectare forest area, 35 kilns have been identified. Most are associated with tar production for the Royal Bitumen Factory, whereas some, including Mataca, have three pits and are linked to the later production of pitch. Pitch making was based on the dry distillation of resinous Pinus sylvestris stumpwood and required specialised labour, suitable hillside locations, clay, water and a sequence of cooking, tar and pitch pits. The restoration of the Mataca kiln since 1998 has helped preserve both the material structures and the intangible knowledge associated with this trade. Relevance. The case shows how forest uses, communal management, transport networks, livestock practices and naval supply were connected within a single cultural landscape. Its documentation can support forest heritage conservation, rural identity and future strategies for sustainable forest management.