In this article we discuss, in very condensed form, the “colmena” ovens in the town of Vijes, Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Initially we refer to its origin, how they were built, how they evolved in time, the landscape of the limeartisanal industry which they resulted from, and the crafts associated with these structures. Later we study, also very briefly, the work cultures and social practices that occurred around these ovens, how these cultures and these practices came down with the economic, social, and environmental crises occurring today in Vijes and in the lime artisanal industry, including all social strata and sectors of the population, which, as an ethical crisis, involves the political class that controls power in the municipality. Finally, we propose a possible alternative to this deep crisis, which we believe can be addressed through a comprehensive recovery project (economic, social, environmental, cultural) whose protagonists and direct beneficiaries must be the people of the municipality and its social organizations.