Village activities
The relationship between humans and nature in Transylvania is well expressed by the wood carving craft.
People living close to forests in mountainous areas use the abundant wood to make furniture, recipients for holding water and milk, forks, shingles and many other objects. They were also making barrels and selling them in grape-growing areas, at lower altitudes.
In winter months, coopers make the barrels and then as the season for grape harvesting approaches, they trade them with wine-makers, as both know that oak barrels are the best for storing wine. While many other crafts turned to mass production, barrel making didn’t as it still needs the human touch and coopers’ dexterity.
We are invited into a cooper’s workshop to learn how forks, spoons, barrels and other objects are made and also to give a helping hand.
