The figures in this nativity scene come to life against the background of the dark walnut manger. The woodcarver carves them from light-coloured, fine-grained maple wood. Both kinds of wood, maple and walnut, grow plentifully in the vicinity of the workshop in Gröden. After cutting, the wood is dried for several years before it can be worked with a wood chisel. After polishing it, the wood is neither painted nor varnished and shows its natural beauty.

Val Gardena in South Tyrol is famous for the intricate work of its wood carvers. A craft that began with the carving of simple wooden figures, dolls and toys has been practiced here for around 400 years. During the long winter months, the farmers in the valley were able to earn extra income for their farms in this way. Over time, sacred motifs were added, such as the detailed figures of saints that are still glazed with oil paint today.

The maker of our woodcarvings in Ortisei learned the craft of carving from his father, who was also a famous painter. In his workshop, he and his employees work exclusively with mountain wood from the surrounding area of the village - such as cherry and spruce, walnut, Swiss stone pine and maple - which is carefully selected and left to dry in the air for several years after the trunks have been cut before they can be sculpted and carved. All figures are created by hand according to our own designs and ideas.

Liveness is gained by the figures of this crib against the background of the stable made of dark walnut wood. The woodcarver works them from the light, fine-grained wood of maple. Both walnut and maple grow abundantly in the area surrounding the workshop in Val Gardena, and the wood is air-dried for several years after being cut before it can even be worked with chisels and wooden irons. When it is smoothed, it is not painted or varnished, but left completely natural.