A toy made of wood
Wooden horses have long been carved in the villages around Mora. The small horses became toys, and the craft gradually became something to sell. Shapes and styles have varied between places and makers.
A little piece of Swedish history
A little horse
A long story
This little horse is recognised far beyond Dalarna. But the story begins with something as simple as wood and a knife.
A character of its own
Colour and decorative brushstrokes gave the horses new personalities. The characteristic painting, known as krusmålning, is connected to Dalarna’s decorative traditions. Red is familiar, but the horses have always had many different expressions.
The Dala horse meets the world
It became a popular souvenir and an internationally recognised symbol of Sweden.
A living tradition
The story continues with the people carving and painting today. In my workshop in Dalarna, new horses take shape — with the same simple starting point: a piece of wood, a knife and a pair of hands.