Fascination Wood Carving in Tradition
The region of South Tyrol in northern Italy impresses mainly by its breathtakingly beautiful countryside set amidst the Alps and by its Mediterranean climate. South Tyrol has always been both a border land and a land of contrasts. The population of South Tyrol is accordingly varied. Outside influences have always been an inspiration in this region but have also encouraged its inhabitants to hold to their own roots. South Tyroleans are considered to be hospitable and open-minded. When it comes to character traits, stubbornness and flexibility do not seem to be in conflict.
The Val Gardena is world famous on account of its the centuries-old tradition of wood sculpture. Traditional crafts handed down from one generation to another have evolved over the decades into a cultural focal point; whereby the population of the small Ladin valley has been highly distinctive in this regard. The art of woodcarving goes back to the 16th Century. At first just a pastime to wile away the long snowy winter, it later become a cultural phenomenon of major importance.
Initially, toys, tools and household utensils were carved; and later these were joined by craft items sold at spring fairs in order to eak out the meager livelihood derived from farming income. Subsequently, the wood carvers turned to artistic sculptures as well and wood sculpture became a recognised, world famous art form.
Today, artisans are bringing these old traditions back to life in objects that reflect both the region’s history and the tastes of our times. The wooden sculptures are mostly fashioned by hand. The designs presented are derived from the religious tradition of the Alpine region, but now sculptures of a secular nature are increasingly enjoying success.
Production in Modern Times
Production of individual pieces is carried out by very strict agreement with the customer. The possibilities are almost limitless. Each comes with a unique lead seal and a certificate.
The pre-produced figures in production are manufactured partly by machine, although the last touch is still carried out by hand. Professional artists from the art schools of St. Ulrich and Wolkenstein devise the basic models: true works of art, created with the creative power of the individual, always new and different.
These models are cast in bronze, so that they can then be duplicated. An expert craftsman produces the wooden blanks on the pantograph and these are then reworked with maximum attention to detail.
Next, the resulting small art pieces are partly polished and partly carved. If a decoration is on hand, the piece is nipped or stained by experienced figure painters or, if required, gilded with real gold or subjected to further work. Here too, there is a wide range of options and, essentially, every figurine can be made into something of a unique work.
These woodcarvings cater to every taste. The range includes:
- Sacred Wood Sculptures
- Nativity Cribs
- Secular Wooden Sculptures (chess sets, animals, athletes, clowns
- Wooden sculptures taken from history and art history and much more besides ... ...
Wood originating in mountain forests is the type most suited to the art of carving. Tree trunk by tree trunk, it will be cut into planks, which are then processed into small wooden logs, depending on the size of the sculpture intended to be carved from them.
Our wood carvings are small, precious works of art. They are intended for anyone who appreciates the true value of craftsmanship and would like them to come alive in their own home or as a way of remembering loved ones.
The Nativity Crib
Once the main motif of Gardena woodcarving, nowadays the crib is implemented in many kinds of styles: old-fashioned or classic to modern. These cribs are a precious family possession, prized year after year and can be added to.
Origin and Meaning of the Crib:
"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them at the inn." (Luke 2:6-7)
The Gospel of Luke, which tells about Jesus' birth, came to be illustrated graphically very early on. Thus, the first image of Christmas goes back to the 4th Century and shows the infant Jesus lying in the arms of his mother, Mary. Even so, these illustrations were not numerous and were mostly to be found on stone sarcophagi.
The events of Christmas were illustrated in great detail by St. Francis in 1223. He designed the Christmas Mass before a wooden manger, adding a live ox and an ass to the scene. This was a way of bringing the faithful closer to the event of Jesus's birth. The crib itself had an unusual fascination for people. Jesus was brought into the world by a woman in poverty.
This poverty and the natural birth of the Son of God put Jesus and the ordinary person on an equal footing: everyone can identify with him. Also, the contrast between rich and poor, as embodied by the shepherds and kings, is thrown into relief before the Son of God. All lie humbly at his feet.
Both the Jesuits and the Franciscans made successful use of the crib concept, disseminating it far and wide: Numerous Christmas plays were put on, frescoes were painted, cradles were positioned in front of the altars and altars were carved with depictions of Christmas.
In the South Tyrol, Christmas displays go a long way back and can be found on old manuscripts and seals. Even the early Gothic style makes an appearance, with Christmas paintings in the chapel at Castle Tyrol, in the castle chapel at Hocheppan and the cloister in Brixen. The fresco of the Adoration of the Epiphany in the St.Jakobskirche in Val Gardena is just one of many late Gothic depictions of the Christmas in our country. All these depictions, as well as the famous nativity shrines in South Tyrol, represent an intermediate stage in relation to the actual crib.
During the Enlightenment, Nativity cribs were banned from monasteries and churches. Even so, these prohibitions were not meant to make the faithful do without their beloved crib altogether, so people simply brought cribs into their own homes. That's how the crib ended up in ordinary town houses - and farmhouses. Craftsmen and farmers took part in this craftwork, especially in Gardena, where in the cold season many farmers dedicated themselves to carving as an additional way of earning income. These generally rather primitively carved nativity figurines sold like hot cakes and are now, in fact, of great ethnological and historical interest.
The Gardena woodcarvers developed into master craftsman, while their sacred carving underwent something of a boom. Numerous art workshops in Val Gardena had a virtual monopoly in production of the cribs, which were exported around the world. The honour of being the oldest Val Gardena crib still extant goes to the baroque, carved Adoration of the Epiphany, which was made in the Vinatz workshop. For a long time, this masterpiece of baroque 18th-century crib art was displayed in the St. James' Church, just above St. Ulrich; although it is now in the St. Ulrich local museum.
Nowadays, many woodcarving workshops have joined the "GARDENA ART Woodcarving Workshops Association" and perpetuate the 300-year-old tradition of wood carving; whereby the Gardena Art is now a brand name that guarantees the quality and origin of high quality wood carvings.
As before, the crib continues to play an important role in the art of woodcarving. A hand-carved crib is a precious family possession; it serves as a focal point each year at Christmas time, enabling the whole family to share that special Christmas atmosphere. The children crowd around the crib and their eyes glow with joy to the light of the candles
In the 20th century, nativity art was represented by a mix of styles, ranging from popular, traditional or classic through to modern figurative. Some sculptors even reached the dizzy heights of art itself ....
The tradition of nativity art, which has existed for generations, continues to this day and can be admired at a number of exhibitions.