The ‘Saltner’

The ‘Saltner’ (or the vineyard protector) wore leather gaiters, leather breeches and around his stomach a broad embroidered belt. A chain made of animal teeth or the jaws of rodents bounced off his chest. His hat was surely the most peculiar, decorated with chicken, peacock, and rooster feathers, while fox tails dangled from the left and right sides. He held a halberdier-like skewer in his hand.

The task of the saltner was to shoo away and scare birds and thieves from the vineyard. Every year, a new saltner was chosen from among the young and unmarried young boys in Kaltern. They also carried out useful tasks by placing trellises or mending fences.

You can admire a doll with the saltner garb in the South Tyrolean Wine Museum in Kaltern.