Embroidering the Goddesses of Old Norway - PDF

PDF version: A handbook of patterns and commentary on their history and usage, this booklet contains charts planned primarily for needleworkers. Its focus is the figure of the Mother Goddess, whose image appears from ancient times on ritual cloths and costumes of many lands. This book introduces the little known high-seat ceremonial hangings of Telmark, Norway. Each piece, from the nineteenth century, is documented, its motifs explained, a general color scheme indicated and stitches in which the original is executed are noted.

The author includes a short commentary on the ritual uses of such cloths and a history of their collection, conservation and preservation in both national museums, local museums and families.