Woodcrafts
A rather complex craft, it is characterised by its techniques and motifs used for decoration. The technique adopted by the craftsmen, defined as "inlaying or carving", derives from the imitation of the work carried out by shepherds, who, to pass the time while in the countryside, carved figurines out of wood.
Today, with the chiselling and sculpturing of wood, objects for use in the home that were adopted in the past for use in the countryside and sculptures are produced.
The most typical object of wood-carving tradition, handed down jealously from generation to generation is the "cassapanca" or box settle, used to keep the trousseau or the family riches safe. The "cassapanca" richly engraved with bass-relief and carvings of a sacred design were given to the church vestry.
Aside from the production of the "cassapanca", furniture and the noted carnival masks of Boves (Ottana) and Mamuthones (Mamoiada) are manufactured. Very particular is the production of furniture of Olbia, made from the red juniper, these maintain the sharp, intense perfume and the robust form the wood.
