Dolomite Alps

The pale peaks of the Dolomites rise around Val Gardena in South Tyrol. The Sella and Sassolungo massifs overlook the Ladin-speaking valley, whose villages include Ortisei and Santa Cristina. Around 1600, families in the valley began carving wooden utensils, religious figures and toys during the winter, selling their work at spring markets. The Trebinger family of Ortisei included sculptors documented by 1625, while the Vinazer family worked in Santa Cristina. By the end of the eighteenth century, carved toys had become an important source of income in Val Gardena.