L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025 www.italoamericano.org 18 L'Italo-Americano For US and Canadian Residents – Full Representation in the Italian Legal and Financial Systems, both at the Federal Level and Across All 20 Regions of Italy Our Rome-based Italian Family Law Practice Includes: - Estate Probate - Inheritance - Real Estate - Family Succession - Trusts - Bank Accounts - Power of Attorney - Taxes - Dual Citizenship 100% Fluency in English. US-based Senior Business Manager. No cost/ no obligation telephone consultations. Fixed cost "total fee" engagement pricing. Visit our website www.ItalyLawyerforAmericans.com for a full profile of our firm and all the services we offer, email our US-based Business Manager at support@italylawyer-us-can.com or call 267.500.1807 from 900AM-500PM ET. W i t h i t s b e a u t i f u l mountains and sunny v a l l e y s , V a l l e d ' A o s t a i s o n e o f I t a l y ' s m o s t d r e a m - l i k e places, at least for those who would rather spend time sur- rounded by the majesty of the Alps, rather than on a beach — yes, that'd be me. The region, located in the Italian Northwest, is also known for being bilingual, the richness of its cuisine, its connections with the ancient Roman Empire, and for its i d e n t i t y - d e f i n i n g w o o d carving tradition. Historically, the inhabi- tants of Valle d'Aosta relied heavily on their natural sur- roundings for survival, and the region's dense forests provided an abundant supply of wood, which became the primary material for making essential items. In the past, wood carving was especially common during the winter months, when agricultural work was minimal; in many ways, it was a period of rela- tive leisure, which allowed for the development of vari- ous woodcrafts, including the creation of toys, utensils, and religious artifacts. Besides being durable and functional, these objects soon began dis- playing beautiful decorative patterns, either geometric or inspired by nature. C h i l - dren, in particular, engaged i n w o o d c a r v i n g t o m a k e their own toys, often depict- ing the animals they were most familiar with — cows, sheep, and chickens. There are, of course, many styles, from the naïf — character- ized by its simple yet expres- sive forms, often depicting scenes from rural life — to t h e i n t a g l i o t e c h n i q u e , involving complex carvings and patterns. When it comes to mate- rials, they are — as men- tioned — largely and primar- i l y s o u r c e d f r o m l o c a l forests, with species like wal- nut, maple, and cherry being favored for their durability and workability. Indeed, the c h o i c e o f w o o d i s c r u c i a l because it influences the tex- ture, color, and longevity of t h e f i n i s h e d p i e c e , w i t h m a n y a r t i s a n s s e l e c t i n g woods with particular grain patterns or natural features to give a specific aesthetic to their pieces. If it is true that Valdostan wood carving takes many beautiful shapes, the grolla is perhaps the one attracting most attention, along with another joyous symbol of love and conviviality, the coppa dell'amicizia. The first is a wooden, often intri- cately carved, chalice used communally during social gatherings; the second, the name of which translates as "friendship cup," is a multi- spouted bowl, also designed for shared drinking. The idea of sharing with the commu- n i t y a n d s t r e n g t h e n i n g bonds lies close to the heart of both objects, in a trend that is not at all unheard of along our Alps, where creat- ing a village-wide support network based on positive relationships could, in the old times, make a real differ- ence, especially during the harshest months of the year. Notably, however, wood c a r v i n g i n V a l l e d ' A o s t a changed, and did so in close connection with the region's s o c i a l a n d e c o n o m i c g r o w t h : as communities developed and diversified, so did the demand for more r e f i n e d a n d d e c o r a t i v e w o o d e n i t e m s , t h e r e f o r e , artisans began to experiment with more intricate designs, moving beyond simple geo- metric patterns to include floral motifs, animal figures, and scenes from daily life. In o t h e r w o r d s , o n c e p u r e l y functional objects became decorative art pieces, in a reflection of the changes Val- dostan communities — once largely rural and relatively i s o l a t e d , t h e n m o r e a n d more "connected" and open to a variety of influences and inputs — went through. I f y o u w a n t t o s e e a n d e x p e r i e n c e f i r s t h a n d t h e region's dedication to wood- craft, the yearly Fiera di Sant'Orso, which is held annually on January 30th a n d 3 1 s t i n A o s t a , i s t h e place to be; a cornerstone of Valdostan culture for over a millennium, the fair origi- n a t e s f r o m t h e f i g u r e o f Saint Ours, a local priest known for his acts of charity, including the distribution of wooden clogs to the poor. Over time, this act of kind- ness evolved into a grand celebration of craftsmanship, where artisans from across the region gathered to show their creations.Today's fair f e a t u r e s a v a s t a r r a y o f wooden items, from house- hold utensils to elaborate sculptures, but also offers people the opportunity to enjoy some of Valle d'Aosta's convivial, fun spirit, with s t r e e t s f i l l e d w i t h m u s i c , dance, and culinary delights. For those into arts and crafts in a more active way, the opportunity to engage direct- l y w i t h a r t i s a n s a n d g a i n insights into their techniques and traditions is also avail- able, something not simple to come by in this day and age. If you cannot make it to Aosta in January, but would still like to know and discov- er more about its wood carv- ing tradition, you can head to Fénis for a visit to the Museo dell'Artigianato V a l d o s t a n o d i Tradizione (Museum of T r a d i t i o n a l V a l d o s t a n Craftsmanship). The muse- um houses approximately 800 objects, including tools, s c u l p t u r e s , a n d e v e r y d a y items, giving an exhaustive overview of the region's arts a n d c r a f t s h i s t o r y ; a l l exhibits are organized the- matically, allowing visitors to explore the evolution of craftsmanship in the valley and understand the social a n d c u l t u r a l c o n t e x t s i n which these items were cre- ated. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional crafts, includ- ing woodcarving, as commu- nities seek to preserve their cultural heritage in the face of globalization. Educational programs and workshops h a v e b e e n e s t a b l i s h e d t o teach the younger generation key skills, so that the conti- nuity of the craft is ensured. Moreover, initiatives like the establishment of the Rifu- g i o M o n t F a l l è r e , a n open-air museum featuring over 300 wooden sculptures along hiking trails, have also contributed to the revitaliza- tion of local woodcarving. Each of these efforts sup- ports the preservation of the craft but also helps adapt it to contemporary contexts, allowing it to remain rele- vant. It is clear that the signifi- c a n c e o f w o o d c a r v i n g i n V a l l e d ' A o s t a e x t e n d s b e y o n d t h e c r e a t i o n o f objects. It is a manifestation of the region's identity, of its resilience and adaptability. Remember: there is a story behind every carved piece; a s t o r y h o l d i n g w i t h i n t h e experiences, beliefs, and val- ues of the Valdostan people. CHIARA D'ALESSIO Aosta Valley's woodcarving tradition: centuries of craft and culture Wooden art in Aosta (Photo: Irina Sen/Dreamstime) ALL AROUND ITALY TRAVEL TIPS DESTINATIONS ACTIVITIES

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