site.btaHats Made from Mushrooms Preserve Unique Craft in Romania and Europe

The craft of making hats out of mushrooms in the village of Corund in Harghita County, Romania, is unique not only to the country, but to all of Europe, and it has been passed down from generation to generation. Once practiced by more than 70 families in Corund, today only seven continue the tradition.

The craftsmen collect hoof fungus from the forests of Maramures and Bukovina, at altitudes of over 1,300-1,500 meters, from the bark of old or diseased trees, primarily beech, and transform them into hats, bags, wallets, bracelets, necklaces, and many other decorative items.

To process the mushroom, the artisan peels it, slices it into layers with a small sickle, and works it with a hammer. Each piece must be stretched multiple times, significantly increasing in size to become a soft and durable material, a 100% plant-based, no plastic and no chemicals technology.

"What remains in our hands is the finest organic material in the world. I fell in love with the craft four years ago when I realized I lived in a village with the last remaining masters. Bavarians, Austrians, and Czechs practiced it. Today, it exists only in Transylvania, Romania," says Zoltan Pal, introducing Imre Fabian, the master he learned from.

"He's now 74 years old, but he moves through the forest more energetically than I do," Zoltan laughs. "Imre learned the craft from his father and has practiced it his whole life," he explains. Pointing to the mushroom hat on his head, Zoltan shares that all the heat evaporates through its top.

The hoof fungus is also useful in case of injury, having antiseptic and styptic properties. When held near a flame, its smoke repels insects, especially mosquitoes. Beekeepers also use the smoke because it has a calming effect on bees.

"People from all over the world have come to visit us - from Israel, the US, Canada. They've wanted to try and replicate this craft. But it doesn't work. Because they don’t have this specific type of mushroom," Zoltan Pal says proudly, expressing hope that the tradition will not disappear.

The visit to Corund village took place as part of a media trip under the "Attractive Romania" project.