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The little red Dala Horse has come to represent all things Swedish, especially for Swedes living abroad. It reminds us of our home, childhood and of our traditions that we hold dear.
In addition, the Dala Horse is suddenly very popular. IKEA, Orrefors, and many others are using the horse in patterns and designs, many with new and modern twists to the old model.
It is therefore suitable that SWEA will use this horse as a symbol when we celebrate our 25th anniversary in 2004. The “SWEA-Horse” will be a large, heavy, life-size, horse made in solid Swedish wood. It will to some extent symbolize us: “Swedish women, securely anchored in our culture and traditions”. A flock of SWEA Horses, of which most will be painted by talented Swedish women will adorn the city of Stockholm in June 2004.
The idea came from the Cow Parades in New York, Zurich and London, as well as parades of other animals, such as turtles, pigs, etc. in other cities, see page 4.
Our organization will use our resources, and our fantastic network, and we will engage our members world wide in this project.
Horse facts
wood!
The SWEA horse consists of 288 piecesof pine wood in different sizes, all trimmed horizontally: 50 cm (20”) for the nose, 80 cm (31 ½”) to the stomach and 130 cm (51”) to the backside).
glue!
The wood is glued together by Mora Snickeri HB in Dalecarlia, the home of the original Dala horses. This takes approx. 60 hours/horse.
naked horse!
The glued shape is forwarded to Chain Saw Artist Torbjörn Lindgren close by in Leksand, who will take 20 hours to sculpt an elegant naked horse with his saw. The horse is now 2.1 meter (83”) high and 2 meters (79”) long, and weighs approx. 750 kgs (1,650 lbs).
color!
The basic color is applied before the horse leaves Torbjörn’s workshop; and 10 liters of paint is used.
ready to trot!
The horses are now ready to be painted by the SWEA painters. And then on to Stockholm in June, 2004.
The first
horse has already made its debut: It was presented to the Lord Mayor of the City of Stockholm on the occasion of the 750th Jubilee on the National Day, June 6, 2002.
This horse has remained in its waterfront location outside the Stockholm City Hall since then, and has been a major tourist attraction.
The artist who painted this horse is Margareta Sjödin of SWEA Los Angeles.