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It is clear that in a world like that of Sauris the inhabitants need
to be as far as possible economically self-sufficient. At one time the economy depended exclusively
on the breeding of cattle (in 1920 there were 600 head of cattle).
Though fertile, the land gave meagre and inadequate fruits due to the climate and the altitude.
To live and bring up a family, therefore, it was necessary to possess enough land, a house and
a stavolo for the breeding of cattle.
Home production covered practically all needs. Clothes were spun and woven at home with the
wool and flax produced locally. The carding of wool, gathering of hemp and flax and spinning
were done by the women while the weaving was the responsibility of the men.
Five or six high warp looms wove for the entire community, using the typical 'spider's web' warp
(a tradition still kept up today by Sandra and Adriana Schneider c/o La Tessitura di Sauris).
The weavers of Sauris lent their services all over Friuli and were held in such esteem that their
work was sought even by noble families.
When the worsening climate made work in the fields impossible, the men of Sauris turned their
hand to carpentry and craftwork of all kinds or to seasonal work outside the community if they were
specialised in some other trade.
In every house there was a workshop or workroom where they made and mended all kinds of tool and artefact.
Most exchange of goods was done through bartering, so the use of money was rare if not inexistent.
Procurement of goods and all trade took place in preference during the winter months via the Pura slopes
since the snow made it possible to use a sledge for transport. |
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