The Dalecarlian Horse
It was in the small log-cabins deep in the forests during the long winter nights in front of a log fire that the forerunner of the Dalahorse was born.Using simple tools,generally only a knife,toys were carved for the children.The fact that many horses were made was only natural,because the horse to them was invaluable.A trusty friend and worker who could pull great loads of timber from the forest during the winter months and in the summer could be of just as much use on the farm.In the other days the Dala horse was mostly a toy for children,but nowadays it is a Symbol for the kingdom of Sweden.The earliest reference of wooden horses for sales is from 1624.The pattern of today is about 150 years and it reflects a style of painting known as"kurbits".In the 19th century,Stickå-erik Hansson from Mora,introduced the technique of painting with two colours in the same brush.Even today paint in this traditional way.
The horse of today is still a handcraft article,made of pine and at least nine different persons have contributed with their skill to create the horse.The villages :Bergkarlås,Risa.Vattnäs and Nusnäs were most known for making Dalahorses-today Nusnäs is the only producer.
Grannas A.Olsson Hemslöjd AB was founded 1922 and is today the oldest company making Dalecarlian horses.
