Tales of the Wild, Azkolari

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By Clément Beauvais and Arthur de Kersauson

In the second episode of Dior’s series of web documentaries, Tales of the Wild, Arthur Van der Putten, leaving the concrete jungle behind, dedicates his life to preserving the ancestral traditions of “Basque Strongman”. Wood-chopping as a has been recorded as a profession since medieval times and has long been part of Basque Country’s tradition. The profession was important to the community’s shipbuilding and charcoal burning industry which later paved way for the metal-working industry. Driven by his desire of surpassing oneself, Van der Putten preserves the traditions.