Artistic
wood carvings
since 1929
The woodcarving tradition in Val Gardena goes back to the beginning of the 17th century
Some mountain peasants in Val Gardena, especially between Ortisei and Santa Cristina, were the first to carve wooden figures. Valley records mention the Vinazer family at Pescòsta and the Tröbingers at Ciancèl, who were probably the founders of woodcarving in Val Gardena.
After earlier generations of these families had learned their noble trade at well-known art workshops and academies, such as in Munich, Vienna, Venice and Florence, they began to specialize almost exclusively in religious sculptures. Only somewhat later were secular woodcarvings created (The picture shows a workshop staff - about 1900, at Ortisei).
As the industry developed, the first dealers began to appear, first as itinerant traders, and later as wholesalers of the woodcarvings in Val Gardena. A few decades later a real network of salesmen and representatives emerged, marketing the works all over Europe.
So, many families in Val Gardena not only continued to cultivate their native farms, but also began dedicating their time to woodcarving, painting, gilding, toy and cabinet-making, and altar building.
