Walser#

Walser, Alemannic tribe which came from the Upper Valais (Switzerland) to the Upper Rhine valley via the passes of Furka and Oberalp. From the Rhine valley, they settled valleys in Vorarlberg and the Tyrol. Vorarlberg (13th century): Laternsertal, Damuels (first documented enfeoffment in 1313), Grosses Walsertal, Tannberg, Kleines Walsertal; 14th century: Duenserberg, Schnifisberg, Ludescherberg, Buerserberg, Brand, Ebnit, Silbertal, Montafon, mountains and slopes in the Rhine Valley and the Walgau; in the Tyrol, they settled in the Lech valley, Paznaun, Sellrain and in the Vintschgau.

The W., who settled approx. one quarter of Vorarlberg and contributed considerably to the Germanization of Vorarlberg (esp. the Montafon area), were farmers and cattle breeders, thus making large areas accessible for farming. They were given their land as hereditary fiefs, had their own court system, did not have to do statute labour, but voluntarily committed themselves to military service. In their isolated valleys and scattered villages, the W. have been able to maintain their language and customs up to this day. Typical elements of their wooden houses are the door on the side of the eaves and the extremely small windows. The traditional costume of the women is one of the oldest in German-speaking countries (long pinafore dress with embroidered bodice, worn over a white linen shirt with puff sleeves). The W. Museum is at Riezlern (Mittelberg, Vorarlberg).

Literature#