Este estudio analiza el mensaje etnocultural trasmitido a través de los diferentes sistemas de marcaje que son empleados en las cabañas ganaderas del Valle de Roncal. Para ello, se ha realizado un trabajo de campo estructurado en una metodología de encuestación y registro tanto de los ideogramas de cada marca ganadera como de sus imágenes fotográficas en caso de aún conservarse la herramienta pecuaria.
Se ha efectuado una investigación no experimental, que consta de un estudio descriptivo a través de un cuestionario analítico centrado en el tipo de ganado y modelo de explotación, el dibujo y significado de marca y el sistema de marcaje. A continuación, en el análisis correlacional de los resultados obtenidos, se evalúa el componente etnológico que aporta el discurso gráfico y su significación en la comunidad, más allá del propio objeto inicial agropecuario.

Ikerketa honek Erronkariko etxoletan erabiltzen diren xaki-sistemen bidez helarazitako mezu etnokulturala aztertzen du. Horretarako, landa-lan bat egin da inkestatzeko metodologia batean egituratuta. Abeltzaintzako marka bakoitzaren ideogramak eta haien argazki-irudiak erregistratu dira. Ikerketa ez-esperimental bat egin da eta azterlan deskribatzaile bat du. Azterlana ganadu mota eta ustiapen-eredua, markaren marrazkia eta esanahia eta markatze-sistema ardatz dituen galdetegi analitiko baten bidez bideratu da. Jarraian, lortutako emaitzen analisi korrelazioan jarriz, diskurtso grafikoak dakarren osagai etnologikoa eta komunitatean duen esanahia ebaluatzen dira, nekazaritza eta abeltzaintzako hasierako objektutik harago.

This study analyzes the ethnocultural message transmitted through the different marking systems that are used in the cattle ranches of the Roncal Valley, a Pyrenean enclave in Navarra. For this purpose, a structured field work has been carried out in a methodology of survey and registration of both the ideograms of each livestock brand and its photographic images in case the cattle tool is still preserved. Initially, a non-experimental research has been carried out consisting of a descriptive study through an analytical questionnaire focused on the type of livestock and model of exploitation, the design and meaning of the brand and the marking system. Then, in the correlational study of the results obtained, the ethnological component that the graphic discourse provides and its significance in the community is evaluated. This language is evaluated beyond the initial livestock objective itself. In conclusion, is obvious that the formation of this symbolic code is the expression of a multi-secular belonging of the home as an institution to a community group. This is one more example of its differentiated as legal figure rank in the common local law and social order structure.
Even so, in the Roncal Valley, the social value of the practice of branding in a bunch is old and remains visible. Such the trace of them has also been indicated in the cultural landscape through different handmade elements. At the same time, the memory of different mark methods is maintained. Although, it is important to mention that some of the branding techniques were abandoned. In addition, part of a traditional knowledge linked to an old skill and a way of interacting inside the customary law was losing. In short, then the mark ritual had already become a new technical figure away from the traditional model.