History
Les amis du bois,a workshop in nature
Les amis du bois (the friend of woods)is a small company producing wooden objects and cavings typical of local trditions.The workshop, housed in a classical Vald'Aostan building of stone and wood, can be found at only 16km from Aosta in the hamlet of Villes Dessus in the village of Introd.
The princioal production is of the "grolle" and "coppe dell'amicizia" (friendship cup) two objects typically produced by generations of Valdostani.As well as these, wooden bowls,chopping boards,mortar and pestles plates and numerous other sculptures and objects are created by our craftsmen.
Traditional, symbolic and useful objects
The Grolla is the most and probably most sought after typical Vald'Aostan object produced by local craftsmen. Symbol of friendship and fraternity it is used for, and during convivial drinks, a tradition born in a long forgotten past, though still practiced today on certain occasions. The word Grolla is thought to derive from the ancient french word "graal" meaning chalice.In times past it was reserved for a special occasions and conserved like a precious relic or heirloom to be handed down from father to son. Also, as a symbol of the family, more it was lavishly decorated, the richer the owner. For day-to-day use low bowls were used which, over time, became modified until they became the "Coppa dell'amicizia". Shorter and fatter than it's cousin the grolla, it can have any number of drinking spouts and lid, today it is used for drinkinghte coffee "alla valdostana"
From the craftsman to the custumer
At introd, next to the workshop there is a small shop where it is possible to browse and purchase the products of "les Amis du bois". As well as the small-scale sale of products at the shops, the IVAT (istituto Valdostano Artigianato Tipico) an institution promoting the work of local craftsmen, and is often commissioned for supply of trophies sporting events.
Production with distant origins
The origins of the Vald'Aostan craftman lies in the necessity, vital for the alpine population, of producing implements for use at work and in the home. Over time varius personal styles of working with wood have developped, from the carpenter creating forniture, the wood turner and the sculptor. These different expressions of artisry, often being passed down through generations, can be witnessed at the annual Fair of St Orso, an event with a thousand year history where every 30th and 31st of january all the craftsmen and women of the Valle d'Aosta meet to display,compare and sell their works. There are also other sides to the traditional craftwork of the Aosta Valley. Side by side with woodwork, ironmongery, pottery,stonemasonry and lacewok remains the most popular among the Valdostani.From the historical needed for life in the mountains a new form of sculpture has developed where necessity has been replaced with artistic expression.