Heritage Spotlight
Norwegian American Traditions
For most of Norway's existence, royalty has ruled the land: Harold I was one of the many Kings who rose to prominence over the other fylker (county) leaders. Norway's eventual preference for neutrality has been carried over throughout the centuries, although the country was unfortunately made to fight in World War II due to German invasion. Although half of the Norwegian fleet was sunk during the war, Norway quickly recovered its commercial position, and postwar economic policy included a degree of socialism and measures such as price, interest, and dividend controls.
In another effort to keep Norway as fair to its citizens as possible, the abolition of the monarchy system was seriously considered at the start of Norway's modern history. The Constitutional Monarchy that was decided upon calls for a King or Queen who is mostly a ceremonial figurehead, being the supreme commander of the Norwegian armed forces and the head of the Church of Norway. The Norwegian Parliament is the group wielding executive power over the country, and consists of a prime minister and a cabinet.
Norway has more to boast than a strong government however; its cultural history is rich and fascinating. Vikings, quite well known around the world, first made an appearance around 600 A.D. when a large population growth lead to farmland shortages. Norwegian, Danish, and Swedish men traveled around the seas in longboats searching for food for their families. Warlike raids marked the first hundred years of the Viking Age and gave the Vikings a negative reputation. Most Vikings were not warriors however; and, in fact, the majority worked as farmers, shipbuilders, metalworkers, or fisherman laboring to make goods, thatVikings could trade to other countries in exchange for food. Although Vikings are often depicted wearing a large helmet with horns spouting from the sides, in actuality there is no historical evidence that Vikings ever wore such hats. The Viking helmet is actually an invention of the opera!
Aside from creating longboats, dubbed one of the best boats of their time, Norwegians also practice the craft of rosemaling, which is decorative painting on flat wooden surfaces. Flowery designs and tendril motifs are strong themes, but actual rose designs are not very common. Norwegians are also proud of the Hardangar fiddle, a decorative string instrument. The modern Hardanger fiddle appeared about 1850 when influences from mainland Europe began to gain strength in Norway. It is about this time that the body became very violin-like yet kept the unique style of the <f= hole. As decorative patterns became much more floral in their appearance, either four or five understrings became the standard. By walking around the field today, you will encounter a glimpse of Norway: through their musical instruments, the melodies that escape them, the decorative crafts, the delicious food, and the interesting history; we invite you to join Norwegian Americans in celebrating their country and its heritage.
Heritage Area & Special Presentations
Each year the NJFF presents a Heritage Area where traditional folk arts are displayed. This year we offer a myriad of Norwegian-themed folk arts for your enjoyment. Look for the Heritage Area in the large Page 8 NJFF tent near the center of the festival grounds.
Woodcarving
Al Miller, who can also be seen on the Pinelands Stage, will be showcasing his talent as a woodworker. His specialty is a style typical of traditional Norwegian furniture called acanthus. Acanthus refers to the acanthus plant that grows naturally in the Mediterranean region of the world. The acanthus plant design has been used to embellish architecture and furniture since the <Golden Age Of Greece.= Of course, the appearance of the carving design has evolved drastically over time. For example, in the Renaissance period, the carving was made very sparse and string like. However, the Baroque period showed the carvings to be very full, robust and kinetic.
Rosemaling
In addition we will have Norwegian Rosemaling by Linda Miller who has been painting in this style since 1974. Linda has studied rosemaling in both Norway and the US. The term rose painting (Rosemaling) is used as a common denominator for Norwegian decorative rustic painting done during the 18" and 19" centuries. The ornamentation included pictures, geometric patterns and decorative writing because they are all natural ingredients in this flourishing branch of folk art. The <roses= (with the acanthus and other flowers) can be very abstract, but they are still the linking central motif and constitute the most important element in this form of painting. In Norway, it is still customary to embellish furniture and rooms with Rosemaling.
Wool Spinning
Virginia Hinchman will be demonstrating her Icelandic sheep wool spinning. Ms. Hinchman is from the Black Fen Farm in Hacketstown, NJ, and she breeds pure breed, registered Icelandic Sheep. The modern Icelandic Sheep is a direct descendant of the sheep brought to the island by the early Viking settlers, in the ninth and tenth century. She has been weaving for over 40 years and spinning for about 30 years. The Icelandic sheep is one of the world's oldest and purest breeds of sheep. Throughout its 1,100 years of history, the Icelandic breed has been truly triple purpose, treasured for its meat, its fiber and its milk. Their fleece is double coated, typical of the more primitive breeds, and comes in many colors.
Hardanger Embroidery
We are delighted to showcase the work of Bette Baumgardt who sews in the traditional Norwegian style, Hardanger embroidery. Hardanger embroidery is a form of whitework using counted thread and drawn thread work. It is worked on evenweave fabric of either cotton or linen with linen or pearl cotton threads. Though traditionally worked in white thread on white fabric, color has been used for many years now, both in the fabrics and threads. While the history of Hardanger embroidery is not well documented, it was popular during the Renaissance period, when the use of linen for clothing increased. Some motifs of Hardanger show Assyrian and Egyptian influences that can be traced to the Vikings' many sea forays far into the Mediterranean Sea. The eight-pointed star of Hardanger embroidery is also found in the embroidery of India and is a universal symbol.
Viking Longboat
The Sons of Norway are exhibiting a replica of a traditional Viking longboat. These boats are wooden, lap strake-built, single masted ships with square sails, and were widely used during the Viking Age, from 793 AD to 1066 AD. As the Vikings were the dominant seamen of their age, their sleek, shallow-drafted ships were capable of sailing through oceans or up rivers.
Ostvik Vikings: A Living Encampment
"Vikings" refers to the people of Scandinavia during the Viking Age. Vikings were a very progressive and literate people, and their primary professions were farmer, fisherman, merchant or trader, and raiders. The Ostvik Vikings are group of individuals who do Living History. Living History is the study and reenactment of all aspects of a group of people from the past. This can include military, social, culture, and material studies. The Ostvik Vikings are a group of individuals who share an interest in the Viking Age and in Living History. They express this through education and reenactment of encampments and battles. They are mostly based in the mid-Atlantic region, but have contacts in Ohio and Canada. The word <@stvik= is Old Norse for <Eastern Bay,= in honor of the Chesapeake Bay region.