Val Gardena preserves centuries-old wooden doll carving tradition

The Val Gardena region in Italy maintains a centuries-old tradition of wood carving, specifically the production of distinctive wooden dolls. This domestic industry dates back to the late 17th century, evolving alongside lace-making and haberdashery trades. By the mid-18th century, dozens of specialized sculptors were active in Ortisei, and by the 19th century, much of the local population participated in this craft, with families often specializing in specific subjects such as animals, nativity figures, or articulated dolls.

Modern artisans, such as Judith Sotriffer, continue this legacy by utilizing local timber found in the surrounding forests, including spruce, larch, and Swiss stone pine (cembro). The cembro wood is particularly valued for its softness, compact fiber, and resinous scent, making it ideal for creating the slender, detailed figures characteristic of the Gardena style.