Visit to the biennial event of heritage artists and craftspeople

Biennial event of heritage artists and craftspeople

The 2016 edition of the biennial event for heritage artists and craftspeople proved to be as interesting as previous editions. This year, the theme common to all exhibitors was the opposite of the weather, in other words, warm. Presented in the château 's former stables and courtyard, "les métiers de la laine" (wool trades) showcased the various stages in the collection, processing and exploitation of wool.

The highlight of the show was undoubtedly the shearing of three Pyrenean ewes, surprisingly docile despite their corkscrew horns. Between shearing sessions, shepherd Maxime and shepherdess Valérie gave a talk on what it's like to be a shepherd today. A fascinating adventure in which the shepherd develops a kind of game with his ewes. The ewes want to "eat the whole mountain", and the shepherd has to manage the different pastures, while protecting the ewes from the ever-present wolf.

This passion for his craft is shared by all the exhibitors. Each with his own craft, technique and style. But all share a passion for the raw material. And each one explains the properties of wool. We discover that sheep's hair is very uneven. There's wool, soft and with sought-after thermal properties. Then there's the jarre: hair that covers and protects against the elements. It's also a good time to correct the errors peddled by journalists who don't give their subjects enough information. According to a recent documentary on national radio, mohair production is painful for Angora rabbits. Ainay-le-Vieil is the place to find out. It's not a plucking of the hair, but a sort of currying of the angora rabbit, which is carried out. Owners of long-haired cats will know the difference. Angora rabbits appreciate this treatment, after which they regain their appetite.