photo: Cornettino
Previously I introduced you to the history associated with Klapotetz, which you are likely to see if visiting Steiermark during the summer and autumn months. I was only joking (honest) when I suggested you could heist yourself an icon – they’re too big!
And – you wont be surprised to learn – the world’s biggest is in Steiermark!
Klapotetz are:
- wooden mechanical devices, similar to windmills, that are used to scare birds in vineyards;
- carefully crafted from particular types of wood and cautiously calibrated to produce fine melodic sounds;
- a specific combination of hammers and blocks, used to ensure that the birds budge when the music flows;
- according to folklore, they’re also able to drive snakes from the vineyards and soften the grapes to sweeten the wine!