The Dalarna horse has been an ever-present decoration in the home of my childhood. Without understanding the meaning of culture and tradition associated with the handicraft, I have always admired the horse for it’s beautiful colors and use it as a symbol connecting me to my Swedish heritage. They are carefully mounted on the ledge above the sink, in my parents’ bedroom and on the mantle in the family room. These beautiful carvings also dot BeeGee’s house in Santa Rosa. I have admired the horse for years, but it has taken until today for me to invest some real time in learning why the figurine surrounds my everyday life.
The Dalarna horse is the “original, genuine symbol of Sweden, more powerful than the Swedish flag.”
When the toy was first carved, it was by the evening firelight after a long day of outdoor work, often in the snow. It simultaneously symbolizes the idea of being a friend, work-mate and symbol of strength. The horse is made of pine wood, and requires the skill of 9 different people to create a single horse. Some artists use 2 colors at once on the same, fine brush.
Each artist has their own style. Owners of the dalarna horses more often than not know the parish and/or carver who turned out a particular horse.
The wood for dalarna horses is chosen during it’s most primitive state as a tree in the forest. Only the best wood is used for these horses, for they are a symbol of the nation. The wood is dipped in primer to reveal any defects. If wood could be kosher, that is what they would use! The wood is carved into horses and sanded, each unique to it’s maker. The horse is dipped into the base paint color, and then given to a free-hand “ripple” painter who has practiced many, many, many years to perfect the art. Finally the dalarna horses are sent out to become a symbol of Sweden to the outside world.
And that, my friends, is the history and meaning of the decorations that populate my childhood. What a peaceful feeling it is to finally know what it all means! I am on a constant mission to get in better contact with my Swedish heritage and understand the roots of my internal motivation to be as Swedish as possible and love all things Sweden.
3 comments:
As I have Swedish ancestry, too, I have a couple of those horses in my home--one is a frig magnet. Maybe you would like to accompany me on a trip to Sweden some day.
Do you also like Swedish fish?
Great post. I had no idea so many artists would combine to make the one horse. Thanks for the info.
There is nothing more Swedish than...
SWEDISH FISH!
Post a Comment