Traditional crafts

The tailor's shop in Salorno produces lederhosen, typical leather trousers of South Tyrol. Lederhosen are a traditional costume and part of the culture of South Tyrol.

One of the centuries old crafts is quill embroidery. Using a reamer the quill (a peacock feather) is used to embroider leather, stitch by stitch, with great care and patience. Craftsmen embroider lederhosen belts, bell straps, belts, traditional shoes and accessories such as wallets, key rings and more. In Val Sarentino there are still a few quill embroiders displaying this craft.

In the 13 century the Draxhof (wood turning farm) in Val Sarentino is first mentioned in official records, which proves that wood turning has been established there for at least as long. At the lathe of the wood turnery Drechslerei Fritz lovingly turned bowls and other pieces are created, all with their own unique veining and shape. For most of the work over 200 years old Swiss pine is used. The trees are felled in the winter months during the waning moon, because “moon wood” is of particularly high quality.

Wood carvers manually shape the wood and create nativity figures as well as secular, religious and modern artefacts. While Val Gardena is particularly renowned for its wood carvers, you can also watch masters as work in the holiday region Bolzano and environs.

With deft skill Peter Ainhauser manufactures “Reggelen”, pipes from Sarentino. He is self taught and he also makes cutlery.

The “Sarna Toppar” (slippers), the “Sarentino Jangger” (jacket), but also carpets, blankets and fleeces are hand-woven here from lamb’s wool. The hand weaving firm Handweberei Unterweger is breathing new life into this ancient farmers’ craft.

Barrel making is another one of the traditional crafts. Barrel makers, also called coopers or cellarmen, manufacture barrels, containers and vessels from wood. In the holiday region Bolzano and environs barrel makers primarily produced wine barrels, vats and other gadgets needed in the wine industry. For this, specially shaped pieces of wood called daves were shaped using wooden or iron bands. Today there is still one active cooperage in the holiday region Bolzano and environs.