Nativity set hand carved maple spruce

The figures in this nativity scene come to life against the background of the dark walnut manger. The woodcarver carves them from light-coloured, fine-grained maple wood. Both kinds of wood, maple and walnut, grow plentifully in the vicinity of the workshop in Gröden. After cutting, the wood is dried for several years before it can be worked with a wood chisel. After polishing it, the wood is neither painted nor varnished and shows its natural beauty.

The Grödnertal valley in South Tirol is famous for the elaborate work of their wood carvers. The handicraft, which began 400 years ago when the farmers in the valley tried to earn some extra money with the carving of simple wood figures, puppets and toys during the long winter months, is still located there today. In time sacred motifs were added, like the detailed oil-painted holy figures offered today.
The manufacturer of our wood carvings in Ortisei learned the wood carving craft from his father, a carver, who was a famous painter, too. The son processes woods in his shop which are drawn exclusively from the immediate vicinity of the village, like cherry, walnut and maple. After the trunks are cut, the wood is left to dry for several years before it is ready to be shaped and carved. The carvers work free-hand according to their own designs and ideas.

Liveness is gained by the figures of this crib against the background of the stable made of dark walnut wood. The woodcarver works them from the light, fine-grained wood of maple. Both walnut and maple grow abundantly in the area surrounding the workshop in Val Gardena, and the wood is air-dried for several years after being cut before it can even be worked with chisels and wooden irons. When it is smoothed, it is not painted or varnished, but left completely natural.