Shale is a layered and highly breakable stone. The Lumnezian shale has an even higher fissility and stretches its bands through almost the entire valley. The roads are therefore difficult to maintain; an obstacle to the economic growth. On the other hand, it could also be a reason why this mountain valley is so lovely and sunny – it’s not in the shade of steep rocks.
At the opening of «FUTUR – Mountain Villages Revisited», three children were selling pieces of shale. They were visitors, not living in the valley, and amazed by the shale’s texture and shine. They had been collecting and washing pieces which often crumbled, resulting in more pieces that could be sold.
When they wished to run a shop, we asked at Casa d’Angel. Anne-Louise Joël, head of the cultural house, said, this would be like selling sand in a desert and gave her OK. And: They were quite successful! Of course the price (starting with 10 Rappen/Cents) was symbolic, but it summed up to many coins for each of them.
First it depends on who is selling it – some people will keep the pieces just as a souvenir. Second, the ordinary, the unloved can unfold surprising shine and beauty. What do we learn? We can sell sand in a desert.
© Text: Michael Hiltbrunner