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Set of 5 Swedish Folk Wooden Dala Horse Toys, circa 1960

$3,340.12per set
$4,453.49per set25% Off
£2,429.90per set
£3,239.87per set25% Off
€2,775per set
€3,700per set25% Off
CA$4,558.30per set
CA$6,077.74per set25% Off
A$5,076.08per set
A$6,768.11per set25% Off
CHF 2,641.82per set
CHF 3,522.43per set25% Off
MX$62,587.48per set
MX$83,449.97per set25% Off
NOK 33,645.60per set
NOK 44,860.80per set25% Off
SEK 31,623.60per set
SEK 42,164.80per set25% Off
DKK 21,119.04per set
DKK 28,158.72per set25% Off
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About the Item

Set of 5 handpainted Swedish wooden traditional Dala horse toy. Designed by Nils Olsson in Sweden, circa 1960. Materials: Wood In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Dimensions: 50 H 49 W 13 D 42 H 40 W 11 D 38 H 36 W 10 D (x2) 34 H 34 W 10 D The Dala Horse (Dalahast) story dates back many hundreds of years to an area in central Sweden. In the Dalarna region, somewhere between Borlanga/Falun and Mora, the tales and historical significance of our little wooden friend exists. Carved out of scraps of wood by tradesmen, the Dala Horse embodies a part of Sweden's National heritage and is one of the icons of Sweden. There is legend that the Dala Horse became the National toy in 1716 after Swedish soldiers fighting under King Charles XII were forced to seek quarters in the homes in the Dalarna region. The winter months were brutal in central Sweden and food was limited. Many of the men had left their vocation (wood craftsmen) to take part in war throughout Europe. The nights were cold and long and to pass the time, many of them would carve animals out of wood. They carved many types of animal figures including roosters and pigs but the most notable was the horse. The horse became the sign of good luck and these carvings were often given as gifts for their hosts for food or payment for room and board. The Dala Horse has a sentimental, warm place in the hearts of many Scandinavians. Even today the horse represents qualities such as strength, faithfulness, wisdom and dignity. In rustic culture, if a farm had a horse it was a great help in supporting the family. Mora, Sweden's at the center of the Dalarna Province and at the center of the Dala Horse craft. The horse was the secure helpful friend in the field, the farm and provided transportation to the mill and the church. Many farms could not afford a horse and it is said that it was probably a farmer who realized he would never be able to afford his own horse so he created his dream horse out of wood. With knife and hand he gave the Dala Horse form and paint for decoration.
  • Creator:
    Nils Olsson (Designer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 5.32 in (13.5 cm)Width: 4.73 in (12 cm)Depth: 5.32 in (13.5 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 5
  • Style:
    Folk Art (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1960
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Barcelona, ES
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: RT.01.01.23.GB.4921stDibs: LU1427232534312

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