Dalahäst

The Dalahäst, often called a Dala horse, is a traditional Swedish folk art sculpture of a horse, found mainly in the province of Dalarna. It is a symbol of Sweden and is often given as a souvenir. The horses are typically carved from wood and painted in bright colors, most commonly red with decorative details in white, green, yellow, and blue.

The Dala horse originated in the 17th century as a byproduct of the furniture-making industry in the Dalarna region. Woodworkers, often working in their homes, would carve small wooden horses during the long winter evenings. These were then sold or bartered for goods. Initially, the horses were often unpainted or simply stained.

It was in the early 20th century that the iconic painted Dala horse emerged, with the traditional red color and elaborate ornamentation becoming standard. The bright red color is said to derive from Falun red, a pigment used historically in Sweden. The decorative patterns often reflect traditional Swedish folk art motifs.

Today, the Dala horse is produced in many villages in Dalarna, with the village of Nusnäs being particularly famous for its production. While many are still hand-carved and painted, mass-produced versions are also common. The Dala horse has transcended its origins to become a globally recognized icon of Swedish culture and craftsmanship.