II. Who are moții?

Referring  to the moții, Ioan Slavici – Writer said that they represent ”the noble population of the romanians”.

Romanian people  that are located in the center-area of Apuseni Mountains, they are called ”moți” or ”țopi”.

Quiet people and lovers of life – the Moții are characterized by a strong feeling against unjustice. Because of this essential trait they manage to keep until today their romanian spirit in Apuseni and Ardeal even when this regions where ocuppied by Austro-Hungarian domination. Hard-workwing people and discipline lovers, the residents of Țara Moților always lived a slow-paced life keeping their balance and faith.

Set-apart community with a fascinating story , the moții are recognised due to their well-know carpenter skills. They got busy with wood processing from which they obtained shingle and different  pots: wooden pails and tubs. This products were sold on regional county-fairs from Apuseni and even from more distant counties.

The most famous of their instruments –tulnicul – it’s made by fir-wood.  In the past, the tulnic was used for communicating long distant sounds, each individual tone had a specific meaning.  Usually  this instrument  is being  played by girls and women.