The crib of Affenhausen

Tyrol is a distinctly 'nativity scene country' with a bright shining highlight called 'Crib hostel Wildermieming-Affenhausen'. This small but fine museum is unparalleled in Tyrol. In the pre-Christmas period it is made to shorten the waiting time for the Christ Child for families with children.

I can still remember very well the first time I heard the place name 'Affenhausen'. I first marveled in disbelief and then had to laugh. Wrongly, I admit. Because the name of the hamlet in the municipality of Wildermieming is derived from Saint Affra, the patron saint of carters. Which is no coincidence. Coming from Telfs, the Roman and later the medieval trade route to the Fernpass passed through 'Affrahausen'. Legionnaires probably already rested here. But it was certainly the horse-drawn carters and wagoners of the Middle Ages.

Affenhausen still draws attention to itself. Nowadays with a hostel of a special kind. The fact that the 'Nativity hostel' in the basement of the Aktivhotel Traube has even achieved some international fame, may also be due to the year-round opening.

Where the art of building nativity scenes, which has been cultivated in Tyrol for generations, actually originated, I wanted to find out from the folklorist I trust, Dr. Petra Streng. "Originally it was nuns who rocked the baby Jesus to sleep on Christmas Eve," she explains. This baby Jesus, a doll wrapped in swaddling clothes, was also called "Fatschenkindl." The custom later changed into a "beggingcustom": Poor women went from house to house before Christmas, sang songs and asked for charity. Late, but nevertheless, the church also took up the birth of Jesus and began to recreate the stable of Bethlehem on a small scale in the church. Initially, it was painted boards that made up the so-called 'board nativity scenes'. Gradually, the representation of the Nativity of Bethlehem also made it into the burghers' parlours. This was the birth of the art of Tyrolean nativity scene making.

It is highly interesting to observe how nativity scene making in Tyrol has always fostered hidden talents. Whether farmhand or peasant, teacher or employee: many artistically carved figures were and still are made by men whom one would not believe to do so at first glance. One of the most talented crib builders in the country is a skilled carpenter. It was on his initiative that the crib hostel in Wildermieming-Affenhausen was created.

It was October 2015 when Erwin Auer's lifelong dream came true. Together with the Wildermieming Nativity Scene Association, which he presides over as chairman, his life's work was opened in the basement of the Aktivhotel Traube. In the 'Krippenherberge' he presents on 300 square meters about 50 of the most beautiful nativity scenes that can be seen in Tyrol. Amazing in variety and forms, type and origin of the figures. What particularly fascinates me is the exquisite artistic design of these small works of art.

Probably the most beautiful Tyrolean nativity scenes are on display in Affenhausen. Perfect in their spatial design with artistically valuable 'backgrounds', which would also pass as independent paintings. The 'mountain', the design of the perspectives and above all the lighting are the work of Erwin Auers. Here you can also see his 60 years of experience in building cribs. Numerous well-known Tyrolean artists such as Wolfgang Falkner, Georg Eigentler, Peter Feller or Walter Grach were involved in the elaboration of these art cribs and 'immortalized' themselves with sometimes extraordinary contributions.

However, the Nativity Scenes Hostel does not only house the oriental and Tyrolean nativity scenes that are 'common' in Tyrol. It is Italian cribs that give the exhibition a quasi 'exotic' touch. Cribs that reflect the lively life on a Neapolitan piazza as well as the spatial depth of Tuscan landscapes. With figures made of terracotta and a depth effect of the crib, as only Italian art can do in this quality. A three-dimensional work of art that perfectly simulates the vastness of Italian landscapes.

One of these nativity scenes is particularly appealing to me: it shows the hustle and bustle of life in a small Italian town, which could well be Naples. Terracotta figures enchant the museum visitors to such an extent that you believe you are standing in the middle of a piazza.

But how do Italian nativity scenes come to Affenhausen of all places, I wanted to know from Erwin Auer. "We have been in intensive contact with Italian nativity scene builders for decades," he explained of the 'exotic section' of the nativity scene hostel. "We have simply exchanged cribs. In Italy there are Tyrolean cribs, here the Italian ones."

Anyone who takes the time to look more closely at the nativity scenes will soon realise how 'decelerating' a visit to the nativity hostel can be. And for children, these nativity scenes are like a three-dimensional fairy tale If you would like to try your hand at building a nativity scene yourself after a visit to this museum, I recommend the didactically well-prepared book 'Weihnachtskrippen bauen' by my colleague Susanne Gurschler.

Nativity hostel Wildermieming - Affenhausen in the Aktivhotel Traube, Affenhausen 8, Tel: +43/650/2121276

www.krippenherberge.at

Opening hours until 2.February: Saturday & Sunday 13.00 - 17.00 hrs

Can be visited all year round by appointment For groups of 5 or more, appointments can be made at any time (all year round) by prior arrangement by telephone +43/650/2121276

Admission: € 5,-, children up to 14 years free of charge