The three funnels are the size of beds and invite people passing by to take a cozy and sound-intensive break while lying down. What makes them special is that each of the “bed” funnels is also a sound funnel that clearly amplifies all the sounds in the surrounding area. In shape, they are reminiscent of the “Betruftrichter” (prayer funnel) also used in Toggenburg – only they are significantly larger.
Milk, bed and prayer
According to tradition, the Betruf funnel is a milk funnel. The herdsman or herdswoman would fill the wooden milk funnel with fir branches to filter the fresh milk on the alp and remove any straw that might be floating in it. Sonja Lieberherr, a yodeler from Toggenburg who also practices the traditional call to prayer, describes the process:
“After work, the alpine dairyman or herdsman would go out to the cross with the funnel and call out the alpine blessing so that the call would sound as far as possible. The idea behind it is that everything within the sound's reach is protected for the night. Because when I, as a human being, take responsibility for the cattle and rest in this rugged mountain world, I have to surrender all life to something higher. The alpine blessing also makes me aware of how small I am and yet, how integral I am as being a part of the whole."
The call to prayer
The calling from the alp – which was initially called 'Ave-Mariarüeffen' – is a ritual of the Alpine dairymen that is firmly anchored in Swiss tradition. It has developed over centuries from Gregorian chants. The earliest evidence dates back to the 16th century and is about the calling from the Alps of Mount Pilatus.
Sending and receiving sound
The call to prayer also has a long tradition in Toggenburg, and is still practised today by Sonja Lieberherr, for example. While the Betruf funnels used in the Alps carry the sound of the alpine blessing far into the landscape, the Betruf funnels on the Toggenburg sound trail draw all the sounds of the surrounding area into their interior, amplify them and direct them deep into the ears of those resting. Thus, the sending and receiving of sound are combined in this installation – an invitation to perceive the sound world of Toggenburg in all its characteristic diversity.
About the artist
Idea & Concept: Klangwelt Toggenburg, Christian Zehnder / Idee und Klang Audio Design Production: Blumer-Lehmann AG
