2026 Nordic Iccons Ornament - The DALA HORSE
Posted by Walter on Sep 30th 2026
The Dala Horse has been a part of Scandinavian culture for centuries. It began life as a simple toy for the children around Dalarna Sweden. Dalarna was the center for fine furniture making and the people used the wooden scraps to fashion toys for children. Among the most favorite were the Dala Horses which were simply painted with bright colors to stir a child's imagination.
Over the years the Dala Horse has grown into a piece of Folk Art. To differenciate the different carvers who were making the horses they were painted in a Kurbits rosemaling style as was popular at the time. Each carver had their own colors and style. This would identify each carvers work. Today collectors who study the Dala Horses can tell you who carved each horse. They became a highly prized possession and became a treasured wedding gift.
In 1939 the Dala Horse was thrust into the forefront when a 2.5 floor high Dala Horse stood outside the Scandinavian Pavilion welcoming guests at the Worlds Fair in New York City. Ever since that introducton to the world stage the Dala Horse is one of most recognized and collected Folk Items from Scandinavia.
