History of carving in Oberammergau

oberammergau

On the one hand, it is considered a world-famous “passion play location” as well as the “wood carving village” par excellence.

The carving craft has been at home in the region for over 500 years, and many sources cite the monasteries in the surrounding area as the origin of the carving art:
Around 1520, an outstanding Herrgotts carver in Oberammergau was first mentioned by a chronicler in the nearby Ettal monastery. In 1563, the Oberammergau carvers received their own craft regulations from the abbot of the monastery.

From the side business

In the 16th century, a main trade developed for entire families of wood carvers. In addition to biblical and Christian themes, the main motif for the carvers is the suffering Christ on the cross, sometimes in a drastic depiction.
At that time, the carved goods were sold by the so-called "publishers", who delivered and sold the carved work on foot in Kraxen and from permanent branches throughout Europe, even as far away as St. Petersburg. Evidence of this is still visible in the town today: in Oberammergau, for example, there is the “Verlegergasse”, and replicas of the so-called “Kraxenträger” can still be found in some shops.

From the 17th to the beginning of the 20th century

A large proportion of the locals earned their income with this handicraft. However, this has changed significantly, especially in the last 50 years, and there are currently (still) around 60 active wood sculptors mastering the traditional craft.

They produce individual sculptures and carvings and thus differentiate themselves from the much cheaper imported goods from abroad, which are often manufactured using machines and which can now be seen in many shop windows in Oberammergau.

Many wood sculptors and carvers

have therefore come together in the St. Lukas Association. They mark each of their hand-carved individual pieces on the bottom with a stamp “Handgeschnitzt Oberammergau” or you can recognize them by a blue and white diamond that is attached to their shops: the trademark of the “Ammergauer Alpen Kunst Handwerker”, a kind of quality seal.

The members of the association

The “Living Workshop”

gives one to the visitor comprehensive insight into a folk art that can only be found in this region. The artists don't just let themselves be seen there Looking over your shoulder at work, rather also happy to answer questions about the very specific ones Techniques, woodwork or working methods.

Open from May to mid-October and during Advent and Christmas - Dorfstraße 20. Admission is free.

Learn more

In the Oberammergau Museum

exists the Possibility, even more about the History of the craft.

Packed in showcases you can see Jumping jacks, Animal figures, Toysthe movable fortress of Scharnitz and exceedingly filigree fine carvings.

A year-round nativity scene exhibition invites adults and children alike Amazement .

To the Oberammergau Museum