The Artisan Legacy of Domingo Rodríguez “El Pájaro”

A Lifelong Passion for Stone Craft

Domingo Rodríguez, affectionately known as Domingo El Pájaro, has dedicated over 30 years to an ancient craft: building stone ovens on the picturesque island of Fuerteventura. Born into a family steeped in tradition, Domingo inherited his nickname from his grandfather, tying him to a rich legacy. What started as a career in construction transformed into a passion for craftsmanship, leading him to create ovens that last a lifetime.

“I loved the artistry of stone,” Domingo explains, reminiscing about his early days attending local fairs. While others admired random crafts, he was captivated by stone pieces. This infatuation sparked a journey that saw him weave together his construction skills with artisanal stonework, ultimately leading to the intricate creation of stone ovens.

The Inspiration Behind the Ovens

Domingo’s fascination with stone ovens is deeply rooted in his childhood. Growing up tending to goats, he often explored the island, drawn to ancient, abandoned ovens crafted by his ancestors. “I was amazed at how they built these ovens without modern tools and how they chose their locations,” he reflects. This admiration for historical craftsmanship inspired him to revive these traditional structures, bringing them back into everyday use.

The Self-Taught Artisan

Without formal training, Domingo became a self-taught oven maker. His first foray into this craft was a personal project: crafting his own oven. It was a trial-and-error process—one that involved burning green brushwood for three days under the false belief it would help the stone absorb heat more effectively. “I thought my oven would collapse,” he laughs. Through such experiences, Domingo learned invaluable lessons, ultimately perfecting his craft. Today, he proudly has two ovens at his home, a larger one for roasting while the smaller one is primarily used for pizzas.

Meeting Local Demand

Initially, Domingo’s craft served his neighbors in La Oliva, who commissioned ovens to roast their livestock. This demand quickly escalated as bakeries and Italian restaurants sought his expertise for larger orders. His reputation as a master craftsman spread throughout the Canary Islands, even though he still aspires to reach El Hierro, La Gomera, and La Graciosa.

Throughout his three-decade journey, Domingo has constructed hundreds of ovens. In fact, one of his most productive years saw him complete up to 32 in a single year. Due to increasing demand, he had to temporarily step back from other projects, focusing solely on his beloved ovens.

Crafting the Perfect Oven

Domingo fabricates his ovens at his property in Lajares, utilizing a methodical approach. Each oven typically takes about five days to construct, often working on several simultaneously to minimize material waste. “The first step is to determine the diameter, which informs the height,” he explains. The standard oven size is 80 centimeters, versatile enough for everything from bread baking to slow-roasting meat.

His crafting process begins with selecting high-quality porous stone from nearby Lanzarote. This stone is crucial for temperature retention and overall durability. The most intricate part is laying the stones in a circular formation, tapering upward until the desired height is achieved, sealed with clay. Prior to delivery, he heats the ovens lightly—assembling them to ensure they maintain warmth and are ready for immediate use upon arrival.

The Artistry of Temperature Control

Domingo’s stone ovens can reach up to 800 degrees Celsius, making them ideal for a variety of cooking methods. The key lies in the type of stone used, which not only withstands intense temperatures but also ensures even heat distribution, preventing cracking. A standard oven (80 centimeters in diameter) costs around 1,150 euros, but prices can vary significantly depending on features like the door mechanism.

His biggest surge in business came during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the rest of the world slowed. While many were confined, Domingo tirelessly traveled to collect stone, ensuring his ovens continued to serve families looking for means to bake bread, roast meats, or prepare pizzas during difficult times.

A Legacy Yet to Be Shared

Despite his success, Domingo carries an unfulfilled aspiration: to teach the art of stone crafting to future generations. He has repeatedly sought formal recognition and support from local institutions, yet his efforts have met with silence. This lack of response has frustrated him and hindered his ambitions to pass on this traditional craft.

“The art of stone oven making should not fade away,” he emphasizes, acknowledging the rich culinary tradition these ovens represent on the island. Despite his excellent craftsmanship, he expresses disappointment at not having the opportunity to educate others while others in the artisan community receive consistent support.

Domingo El Pájaro continues his passion for building ovens that connect the past with the present, ensuring the tradition of stone crafting endures. His creations not only provide joy to families but also promote a cultural heritage that deserves to be preserved and cherished.