WORLD’S TALLEST SCULPTED TREE

During development of our lodges, we preserved and maintained the maximum native forest and vegetation possible. In the fall season of 1998 we were faced with a dilemma. One of the oldest and largest trees at Yan Kee Way, a Coihué, was showing signs of disease.  One large branch system had fallen, barely missing a group of employees working nearby. We did not want to expose anyone else to risks of this nature.

Forestry experts placed the age of the tree at no less than 350 years. This tree had been growing in that spot 220 years prior to passage of the first settlers in this area.  In short, it was difficult for us to consider cutting it down. As luck would have it, we had met Arnaldo Diez a Chilean artist and sculptor, several years before in Santiago. Arnaldo was invited down to see the tree. We learned, on that visit, his lifelong dream had been to carve an entire tree. In almost no time at all, he identified the parts of the tree that were to remain and agreed to come to Yan Kee Way and carve the tree. When the final trimming was complete, the tree measured 17 meters (56 feet) high and 6 meters (20 feet) wide at its widest point. Arnaldo is shown above standing at the base of the tree.

The first task was to build a 7-story building around and over the tree to provide a weatherproof environment in which Arnaldo and his wife Gloria would work. This structure and its scaffolding became their workshop for almost 6 months while they converted the tree into a work of art. The building was like a cocoon into which the old and dying Coihué entered. With the removal of the structure, (shown below left), a new “rejuvenated” work of art emerged; much like a caterpillar converts itself into a beautiful butterfly.

Taking down the structure was difficult given the completed work of the tree and the height of the seven story structure. Our carpenter staff at Yan Kee Way did an outstanding job.

Arnaldo, the sculptor, is supervising the carvings being wrapped on the level beneath him. All carvings were wrapped prior to disassembly of each floor. You may see the red roof of the restaurant in the left hand lower quarter of the photo. This provides one with an appreciation of the attitude and scale of the work.

This is the box that the tree came in. Actually, some came by and asked where we acquired the tree and thought that it had been shipped to us in the large box-like structure.

Arnaldo made some of his figures very obvious, others require that the viewer discover them. In total, there are between 120 and 150 distinct carvings on the tree. Arnaldo will not reveal the exact number, as he wants the viewer to discover them. The most remarkable aspect of the tree, to most viewers, is the level of detail contained in each carved figure. This applies to all figures from the very top to the very bottom of the tree.

When the tree was inaugurated, a portion of the ceremony included native Mapuche Indians who performed dances and sang songs to bless the tree in its new role in life. New trees were planted to commemorate the occasion.

A limited edition printing of the postcards of the figures carved into the tree and the story of its carving is being prepared for sale during the 2000/2001 season.