Cape Verde Air Lime: Production and application

Abstract

Air lime has been a major element in both vernacular and urban construction in Cape Verde, from the 19th century up until the mid-1970s, when it started to be replaced by cement. Its widespread use is evident in the construction of old buildings, where it was employed in mortars, plasters, and whitewashing. Lime production was also extremely common on several islands within the Cape Verde archipelago. However, recent rehabilitation efforts on historical heritage have often overlooked this material, leading to premature degradation of building exteriors. Therefore, current awareness on production and use of air lime in the archipelago, promoting its contemporary application in restoration projects is the main aim of this paper. This study integrates the lime cycle throughout Cape Verde, focusing particularly on the islands Boa Vista, Santo Antão, and São Vicente, as main lime producers. The origins and characteristics of locally quarried limestone, air lime production techniques and the historical significance of this material in the region are analysed in this study. As the records of production and use of building materials are scarce, this research involves a mixed approach of site identification, analysis of raw materials, description of existing furnaces, interviews with local residents involved in lime production, and review of relevant literature.