Wood Carving

Just like lace-making, wood carving has its roots in Predoi in the Valle Aurina. Wood carving was practised by the shepherds of the Valle Aurina to overcome boredom. On the mountain pastures of the Valle Aurina they used to care for the animals of the local farmers. With their Swiss army knives they created many different figures made of roots and branches. In autumn they took them to the valley to decorate their homes. As this handicraft became increasingly popular, they continued to practise it in winter as well.

In former times almost every farm of the Valle Aurina featured a room where the farmers practised wood carving and produced important tools like brooms, axes and rakes. A lathe was used to create religious objects.

The most popular artworks included witch, devil and sun masks. Interesting: according to a legend the farmer Motzile from Predoi was practising wood carving as the devil in person appeared in front of him. From this moment on the farmer knew exactly how a devil mask should look like.

A wood carving school promoting this handicraft in the valley was opened in San Giacomo in the Valle Aurina. Here, you can watch artisans at work. The sculptor Klaus Kirchler offers guided tours in his workshop where you can admire and buy nativity scene figures, traditional sculptures, musical instruments and many other wooden objects.

Wood carver Klaus Kirchler:
San Giovanni, Mühlegg 48
39030 Valle Aurina
phone: +39 0474 646418