Borgo Piave ETC aps, thanks to the support of the Circolo dei Sardi in Belluno and the collaboration with the Museum of Mediterranean Masks in Mamoiada, is pleased to present a new cultural exchange with the Mamoiada community: after the pleasure of hosting Mariella Mele in November 2025, who spoke to us about the Mamuthones and Issohadores from Sardinia in the splendid setting of the Palazzo Fulcis hall, this year we will be delighted to host the mask maker Nicola Dessolis in our Secco Museum, who will perform demonstrations of sculpture of the Maschere dei Mamuthones, on Saturday, November 14 and Sunday, November 15 at the Museum of Dolomite Masks created by Gianluigi Secco in Borgo Piave.

These wooden faces, worn by the shepherds of Mamoiada along with black furs and bells, are used to perform propitiatory rituals for the arrival of spring and to drive away evil. They are crafted with patience and attention to detail to preserve a centuries-old Sardinian tradition.

The masks are made using traditional processing techniques: the first step is the selection of the wood from which the mask will be carved, which must be chosen from a good piece of ash, wild pear, walnut, or alder, although oak and cherry are sometimes used. Then one proceeds with the cutting of the mask, sanding, and finishing touches.

NICOLA DESSOLIS
Born in 1986 and originally from Mamoiada, he carries with him the legacy of a land rich in symbolism. His story begins at just 6 years old, manipulating wood, and then evolves into an incessant search for new materials. Today, this evolution culminates in Lumeras: artistic lamps that transform quartz and wood into luxury furnishings.

It is not just about lighting, but about a true philosophy of living. According to Dessolis, light profoundly influences psychophysical well-being. The Lumeras are created to enrich indoor spaces, making them places where one feels safe, comfortable, and in harmony. In addition to the lamps, Nicola makes the Mamuthones mask and paintings where he plays with colors, symbols, and masks.

HOURS
Saturday, November 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Live creation of a Sardinian mask