Gemmage

Gemmage is a traditional activity which consists of wounding the pine to extract the resin. This complex, fragrant material is distinct from the sap (the "blood" of the tree) but is a healing agent and a repellent for insects. In the 19th century and in the first half of the 20th century, each village had dozens of gemmakers. The distillation of the resin gave turpentine and rosin, two substances used to make varnishes, paints, medicines and household products. Global competition put an end to this traditional activity in the 1980s.