First a warm welcome to Iowa Gardening Woman, a new follower of Desert Canyon Living, who has a beautiful blog filled with flowers and dogs. Then, thank you all for your Valentine's greetings. I was able to catch up on a lot of blogs yesterday and it was so much fun. I will continue my catch up today and I'm looking forward to it because I really, really missed you.
I'm always wondering if I'm about to run out of treasures and then something happens to remind me that I still have so much. This week it wasVicki Lane Sweden to West Africa . So, with this new focus I won't run out for a while. Thank you for your inspiration, Vicki.
I'm always wondering if I'm about to run out of treasures and then something happens to remind me that I still have so much. This week it was
Let me begin with the Dala horse, which has represented Sweden
I also read that the earliest references to wooden horses for sale are from 1623, nearly 400 years ago. In the province of Dalarna, or Dalecarlia in English, the art of carving and painting the horses became a source of income and rural families depended on this cottage industry to put food on their tables. The skills of horse carving and painting were passed on from generation to generation.
I found out that the horses come in many colors, but I believe the color of the above horse is the most common. A special style, called kurbits, is the traditional style used to decorate the Dala horse. Finally, Wikipedia told me that the Dala horse is still a handcrafted product, made of pine, and its pattern is about 150 years old. I'm happy to note that my two horses are authentic folk art from Dalarna.
My Dad gave me this little blue horse when I left Sweden
They make a fine couple, don't they?
Thanks for a very interesting read ~ I just loved the horses ~ Ally x
ReplyDeleteHaving been a horse-crazy girl, the Dala horse has always been one of my favorite Swedish icons. I never knew it had a specific name, however, until reading your blog. Thanks for all of the information. I do think your blue Dala horse is especially pretty!
ReplyDeleteI think it is wonderful that in so many cultures animals are a part of folk art. I love the horses and it must be very special to still have the little one your Father gave you when you left Sweden. Thanks for sharing the pictures.
ReplyDeleteThey're beautiful! A treasure for sure! I want some! :) Might have to do some google shopping...
ReplyDeleteOh! I have a blue Dala horse! I just never knew what to call it. Years ago, some friends of my parents (actually, the Gertrude who was in the wedding picture on my blog today) vacationed in Sweden. Since they knew that I was horse crazy, they brought it back to me from there. It still sits on a shelf in my bedroom.
ReplyDeleteThat's a darling set of Dala horses (I say this like I knew what they were before I read your post!). I love the colors -- so bright and cheery. They must give you much joy over the winter months -- remind me of Spring. :)
ReplyDeleteI have one too! :-)
ReplyDeleteGreetings!
I have about 8 of the Dala horses! If you are Swedish, you have at least one!
ReplyDeleteI love the little blue one the most! Thank you for all the history behind it :)
ReplyDeleteInger, these horses are beautifully done & have so much meaning...keep them forever, Inger!....:)JP
ReplyDeletei have one like that, my uncle brought me from his trip to Sweden, mine is tiny though, he got the big version, about a foot and a half tall. I love those horses. The ones we have are orange too. It's such a symbol. They are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteInger, I am always learning something new from you. Thank you! The history on the folk art Dala horses was very interesting. Nice that you haven't run out of treasures!! That is my worst fear as well!
ReplyDeletebeautiful...
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy learning about Sweden through your blog. I like the red horse...my favorite color.
ReplyDeleteLove the Dala horses! I had a very small one (about 4" long) and I have no idea what happened to it - it was a red one that had been a gift from a friend. So nice that you have such a lovely pair!
ReplyDeleteInger, I've seen Dala horses before, but had no idea exactly what they were! This is why I so enjoy reading and seeing your treasures! I feel like I learn something every time you tell about them! :-)
ReplyDeleteThey are very nice horses. Great color!! I love how you have saved so much from your past.
ReplyDeleteI've seen those horses, but I didn't know what they were! Thanks, Inger. I love learning new things.
ReplyDeleteI have a tiny, tiny little orange Dala horse that my husband's grandparents brought back from Sweden. I'm happy to learn more about them!
ReplyDeleteI love folk art and I love this post. I remember long ago when I visited Sweden. I did see a fair number of these carved horses.
ReplyDeleteKjempefine bilder. Fin historie du forteller om disse hestene og treskjærings kunsten i Sverige. Ha en kjempefin dag Nordis.
ReplyDeleteLove the history that goes with these and yes, they make a perfect pair.
ReplyDeleteI have always loved the Dala horses...so much better than the ceramic Painted Ponies,,in my opinion. Of course, I am a wood girl...Have a Happy Valentine Year!
ReplyDeleteThis was a nice post. I don't have a dalahäst here. Didn't think of things like that when I left. I have an online buddy and she lives outside Lindsborg, KS, in a small place named Falun. In Lindsborg, they have many businesses with Swedish-inspired names, and a big Dalahäst in the town square :) It's pretty cool to see and read how they try and keep up traditions 'n stuff.
ReplyDeleteA fine couple and they are beautiful and thanks for the welcome.
ReplyDelete