L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2024 www.italoamericano.org 10 L'Italo-Americano S oapstone, known in Italian as pietra ollare, derives its English name from i t s s o a p y f e e l , which is due to its high talc content. On the other hand, the term ollare of its Italian name comes from the Latin olla, meaning pot, and was used during Roman times to d e s c r i b e c o n t a i n e r s m a d e f r o m e a s i l y l a t h e - t u r n e d stones. It is a metamorphic rock, composed primarily of talc, chlorite, and magnesite, and has been utilized for centuries due to its remarkable proper- ties, including heat resistance and excellent heat retention. In Italy, particularly in the regions of Valtellina and Valchiavenna, soapstone has played a significant role in local craftsmanship, reflecting a d e e p c o n n e c t i o n t o t h e region's cultural heritage and traditional practices. The tradition Soapstone, or pietra verde di Chiavenna, is celebrated for its historical and cultural significance in the Valtellina and Valchiavenna regions. The use of this material dates back to prehistoric times, par- ticularly the Iron Age, but the earliest written attestation of its use comes from Pliny the Elder's Naturalis Histo- ria (1st century AD), where the use of soapstone in the Valtellina area is mentioned. The favorable environmental conditions in the valleys of Valchiavenna and Valmalenco facilitated the flourishing of soapstone craftsmanship, with 40 quarries and 50 lathes operating along the Mallero, G i u m e l l i n i , a n d S a s s e r s a streams. During winter, the stone was extracted using double- pointed picks called asisc, producing heat-resistant and durable containers essential for food storage and cooking. Notable items include the lavècc, a pot with a flat bot- tom and high, slightly flared walls, ideal for slow-cooking dishes due to the stone's abili- ty to maintain consistent heat. Smaller items like the stüin for stews and fùràgn for food preservation were also craft- ed. In 1746, Swiss naturalist Johann Jacob Scheuchzer noted that food cooked in these stone pots retained their natural aroma and tasted bet- ter than when cooked in metal pots, demonstrating the mate- rial's superior qualities. Soapstone's appeal extend- e d b e y o n d I t a l y , r e a c h i n g prestigious European courts where it was fashioned into sinks, fountains, fireplaces, stoves, balustrades, columns, chocolate and coffee cups, and even snuffboxes. Howev- er, the advent of metal cook- ware in the 19th century led to a decline in soapstone use. In recent decades, traditional soapstone crafting has experi- enced a revival, focusing on artisanal and artistic cre- ations. Artisans now embell- i s h t h e s t o n e w i t h h a n d - engraved designs or sculpt it into ornamental objects. The territory In Malesco, within the walls of the ancient Pretura p a l a c e , t h e S o a p s t o n e Archaeological Museum offers an interesting insight into the history of soapstone craftmanship. Established as part of a network of eco- museums approved by the Piedmont Region in 2007, the m u s e u m s h o w c a s e s l o c a l archaeological artifacts pre- dominantly made from soap- stone. Its collection includes ancient tools used for quarry- ing and carving soapstone, as well as finished products that demonstrate the skill and artistry of local craftsmen. The ecomuseum's focus extends beyond the walls of the Pretura palace, encom- passing the entire community and its surrounding land- scape. Visitors are encour- aged to explore the quarries and workshops where soap- stone was historically extract- ed and worked. Guided tours offer a unique opportunity to see firsthand how soapstone was quarried and shaped, providing a deeper apprecia- tion for the craftsmanship involved in creating soap- stone products. T h e c r a f t s m a n s h i p revival The tradition of soapstone craftsmanship has experi- enced a resurgence in recent years, driven by a renewed appreciation for artisanal and handcrafted products. Con- temporary artisans are build- ing on the techniques passed down through generations, infusing their work with cre- ativity and innovation. This revival has led to a diverse range of soapstone products, from traditional cookware to modern decorative items. One of the key figures in t h i s r e v i v a l i s R o b e r t o L u c c h i n e t t i , a n a r t i s a n based in Piuro: as the only s o a p s t o n e c r a f t s m a n i n Valchiavenna who has inher- ited the traditional methods of quarrying and working soapstone, Lucchinetti plays a crucial role in preserving this ancient craft. He offers guid- ed tours of his workshop and quarries, allowing visitors to witness the intricate process of soapstone carving and to gain a deeper understanding of the material's unique prop- erties. Floriana Palmieri, based in Sondrio, brought soapstone craftsmanship into the realm of contemporary art and design, creating furniture and ornamental objects that showcase the beauty and ver- satility of soapstone. Using traditional hand tools such as s t e e l p o i n t s , c h i s e l s , a n d gouges, she transforms raw soapstone into intricate works of art. Her creations have gained international recogni- tion, with exhibitions in cities around the world, including T o k y o , A n t w e r p , M o n z a , Ljubljana, Milan, Toronto, New York, St. Petersburg, Buenos Aires, and Berlin. The revival of soapstone c r a f t s m a n s h i p c e r t a i n l y shows the enduring appeal of this ancient material but also r e f l e c t s a v e r y m o d e r n demand for sustainable and locally sourced products. Arti- s a n s l i k e L u c c h i n e t t i a n d Palmieri are contributing to a broader movement that val- ues traditional craftsmanship, environmental responsibility, and cultural heritage. From its ancient origins to its modern revival, soapstone has played a significant role in the cultural heritage and daily lives of people in large areas of Northern Italy, and today, whether used for cook- ing, decorative purposes, or architectural elements, soap- stone continues to be valued for its unique properties and the skilled craftsmanship required to work with it. As interest in sustainable and artisanal products continues to grow, the future of soap- stone craftsmanship looks promising, especially in light of the efforts of contemporary artisans to preserve and inno- vate within tradition. For those seeking a tangi- ble connection to the history and culture of Valtellina and Valchiavenna, there is no bet- ter choice than a beautifully crafted soapstone product. CHIARA D'ALESSIO The rich heritage of soapstone craftsmanship in Valtellina and Valchiavenna An artisan sculpting soapstone, which is very common in certain areas of Northern Italy. Photo: Universal Images Group North America LLC / DeAgostini / Alamy Stock Photo IMPRESA ITALIA MADE IN ITALY TOP BRANDS BUSINESS & ECONOMY

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