Schäfflertanz - Dance of the Barrel-Makers

[Michael Nagel]

The dance of the barrel-makers took place this year - as every seven years.

Here are some pictures I took seven years ago.

Two more from this year - using the same camera:

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Michael

 

[Asher Kelman]

Wonderful cheery tradition. But is there still a local guild training apprentice barrel makers?

I would like to think these are still made in workshops and not imported in bulk from China.

Asher

 

[Jerome Marot]

I would like to think these are still made in workshops and not imported in bulk from China.

Let me try the new video function:

 

[Asher Kelman]

Jerome,

I am so gratified that these artisans have not been displaced, as yet, by some wood product biopolymer from China.

A lot of care goes into these barrels,I can see.

I lingered on tour link and learned how to make a wonderful wooden vase with natural spreading arms from the Y-shape of a large tree branch!

These videos are a great addition to OPF and much more lovely and engaging!

Thanks for sharing!

Asher

 

[Michael Nagel]

Jerome,

thanks for posting these videos!

When you want to use the barrels for beer, you need to cover the inner surface with tar - this is called Pichen around here.

Article in German.

Michael

 

[Michael Nagel]

Back to the dance.

Different place, different day. It was the last dance of this day and it was getting dark. Shot with K-1 at ISO 20000 to ISO 32000.

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Michael

 

[Asher Kelman]

Jerome,

thanks for posting these videos!

When you want to use the barrels for beer, you need to cover the inner surface with tar - this is called Pichen around here.

Article in German.

Michael

That is stunning news, Michael!

How do you prevent the chemicals from the tar getting into the beer?

Asher

 

[Michael Nagel]

How do you prevent the chemicals from the tar getting into the beer?

The pitch is made from resin of evergreen trees - there is no petrol involved.
I should have used correct word here.

Here is a description with videos of the process.

Here is another article on barrel pitching.

Michael

 

[Asher Kelman]

Thanks for taking such effort to satisfy my worry of using tar!

Now it makes sense!

Asher