Valle d'Aosta craftwork started out as a simple art, an expression of a world of important values, a love for order, one's family and traditions. 

The materials used were those easily found locally: first and foremost was wood.

The typical mountain and rural homes were generally built mainly with wood and stone, making the most of ingenious methods of joints between the beams, to avoid using nails. Furniture was simple and practical; it was normally made with walnut wood and, therefore, was heavy and solid. Even in this sector, the aesthetic aspects were not ignored, and this is why the various items of furniture were frequently decorated with various kinds of decorations.
One item particularly dear to families and still kept with affection was the cradle for newborn babies.

The items of furniture most commonly found in the room where most of daily life was carried out were the dresser, chest and large table. In this large kitchen, the bread ratelé is an essential item, a base that supports the rye bread and helps it dry.
Some of the most important household tools still in use today include chopping boards often decorated with rosettes, like the characteristic coppapan (complete with knife that is used to crack black bread), and labels for the butter and bread. Lastly, shaving tools were very unusual and nowadays highly sought after because they are almost impossible to find: they include a piece of furniture with glory hole and sliding mirror cover.

WOOD

FABRIC

OTHER MATERIALS