With Horse Handle and Panels Depicting Love Birds Man and Horse, Two Figures Shaking Hands and a Lamb and Flag Hand Carved solid Birchwood Scandinavian, Inscribed "DKD" and "1827"
6” high x 24” wide x 5.5” deep
This unusual example incorporates the carved initials and date 1827, which relate to the bride and date of her wedding. The Mangleboard is considered important in the Scandinavian courtship ritual, as the young women who were accustomed to working with the weaving, and working of cloth and would be regularly reminded of their suitor when "pressing" garments with their mangle. Once married, young brides are also reputed to have hung their mangle boards on the front door of their cabin, to indicate that they would take in washing for villagers. This charming and unusual example has a particularly unique Folk Art spirit, enhanced by the unusual figuratively carved details.
Related Literature: Jay Raymond, "Mangle Boards of Northern Europe"; Streamline Press, East Stroudsburg, PA, 2015
