by Vilma Tammelin | Oct 18, 2021
THE KARELIAN HAND TOWEL Among the Greek-Orthodox Karelians valuable items of the household included a long, narrow towel or cloth known as the käspaikka. They were used as hand towels at a place by the door where one washed one’s hands, and also spread on the...
by Vilma Tammelin | Oct 18, 2021
THE RYA WEAVES The most flourishing and productive period of vernacular rya weaves was from the close of the 18th century to the middle of the 19th century. The rya (Fi. ryijy) was already used in the Bronze Age in the Nordic countries as a cover in boats. It became a...
by Vilma Tammelin | Oct 18, 2021
THE CRAFTS GUILDS The craftsman began his career at the age of 13 or 14, when he would enrol as an apprentice with a master craftsman. The journeyman stage, which came next, required a certain degree of acquired skill and an approved apprentice’s examination.The...
by Vilma Tammelin | Oct 18, 2021
KNITTING The craft of knitting with needles came to Finland presumably from Central Europe at the beginning of the century. Mostly socks, mittens and jerseys were made in this technique. The knitting of socks became an important livelihood in Naantali and in the whole...
by Vilma Tammelin | Oct 18, 2021
INFLUENCES FROM ABROAD Renaissance architecture came to Finland through the court of Duke Johan, governor of Finland from 1556 to1563 and building works at the Turku Castle, where German carpenters and decorators panelled the walls and roofs of the castle. Woven wall...
