The Dalahast, or Dala wooden horse, is a typical craft from the Dalarna region of Sweden, recognized as a national symbol and a symbol of the country's cultural pride. Its humble origins suggest that the horse figurine was originally made by carpenters as a children's toy from scraps of wood, especially during the winter when outdoor work is limited. However, the horse is more than just a toy; it also represents traditional values such as perseverance, strength, and hard work associated with horses in Nordic life.
Dalahast Documentation by Hannes Grobe - CC BY-SA 4.0
Initially, Dalahast were simply painted in plain colors like red or white. However, in the 19th century, local artists began decorating them with kurbits, colorful floral and leaf motifs. This motif, commonly found on household furnishings in rural Sweden, quickly became a hallmark of the Dalahast. These decorations not only enhanced its appearance but also became a distinctive feature of the village where it was made, as each village had its own distinct style and touch.
1) Documentation of Dalahast Craft Variety by WwwFrank - CC BY-SA 4.0, 2) Documentation of Dalahast Horse Statue by Calle Eklund/V-wolf - CC BY-SA 4.0, 3) Documentation of Dalahast Painting Process (1984) by By WwwFrank - CC BY-SA 4.0
The Dalahast's journey to becoming a national symbol began when Sweden displayed a giant Dala horse at the 1939 New York World's Fair. The statue captured the attention of international visitors and introduced the craft to the world stage. Shortly after the fair, thousands of Dalahast began being exported to the United States and other countries as Swedish souvenirs, marking a turning point from a traditional toy to a global cultural icon.
1) Documentation of Dalahast Craftsmen (1991) by By Holger.Ellgaard - CC BY-SA 3.0, 2) Documentation of Dalahast Sculptures by OakblossomTeh - BY-SA 4.0, 3) Documentation of Dalahast Craftsmen (1984) by By WwwFrank - CC BY-SA 4.0
Although Dalahast have now become an export product and a tourist symbol, their production still maintains traditional techniques. In Nusnas village, the center of Dalahast production, these statues are still hand-carved from pine wood, dyed with a base color, decorated with kurbits, and finally coated with a protective coating for durability. Because they are handmade, no two Dalahast are exactly alike; each reflects the personality of its maker.
Written by Noverdy R
Reference:
- Dietze, S. (2019). Dala Horses, a Swedish Tradition. Heroes, Heroines, and History. Retrieved from: (https://www.hhhistory.com)
- The Swedish Wooden Horse Company. Dala Horse History. Retrieved from: (https://www.theswedishwoodenhorse.com/dala-horse-history)
- Patterns of Europe. (2022). The Dala Horse: A Swedish Symbol. Retrieved from: (https://patternsofeurope.pl/dala-horse)
