282- Dala Horse

September 2013 - This was the carving project for our carving club on September 19th. It was carving a Swedish Dala horse. A Dala horse is a traditional carved, painted wooden horse statuette originating in Swedish province Dalarna. In the old days the Dala horse was mostly used as a toy for children; in modern times it has become a symbol of Dalarna, as well as Sweden in general. Several different types of Dala horses are made, with distinguishing features common to the locality of the site where they are produced. One particular style has, however, become much more common and widespread than others. It is stoutly carved and often painted bright red with details and a harness in white, green, yellow and blue.  This little guy is 3.5" lon, 3.5" high and 1" wide and carved from basswood and finished with acrylic paints.