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In order to understand the nature and the character of Val Gardena’s handcraft, it is indispensable to know this fascinating valley with its wide woods and its breathtaking dolomite rock formations. The valley has brought into being a prosperous cottage industry based on the production of wooden toys as well as of religious and secular art, which crossed Italy’s and Europe’s border and became world-renowned.
The wood carving sector originated thanks to the creativity of the locals and the stringent necessity to find an occupation for the winter months in order to be able to compensate as well as possible the low fertility of the fields and the insufficient productivity of the farms. The manufacture of wooden figures started in the 17th century and evolved over time from a simple cottage industry to an industrial series production. However, during this process of development, the search for originality and highest quality of the handmade article was never neglected as this activity was passed on from one artisan generation to the next.
