FOLKLIGT BRODERI FRÅN MARKS HÄRAD - från bruksföremål till landskapssymbol Hillevi Skoglund

Abstract

The question that this essay is trying to answer is what is Marbosöm / Västgötasöm? To answer that question, an object that has been classified as Marbossöm has been compared with what is written about Marbossöm / Västgötasöm. There are embroideries preserved from the late 18th century to the 19th century in the Textilmuseet´s collections. These folk-art embroideries are characterized by a pattern composition consisting of circles, trees, hearts and other motifs. They are embroidered with red cotton yarn and blue flax yarn. The oldest are embroidered on white linen. The embroideries adorned items like pillowcases and wall hangings. The subject analyzed corresponded to the description of Marbosöm / Västgötasöm that is found in the literature. All embroideries with this pattern and color scheme come from an area in the west of Sweden called Mark. Therefore, they are called Marbosöm (stiches from Mark). Marks is in the province of Västergötland, so they are also called Västgötasöm (stiches from Västergötland). Around the turn of the century, the interest in pre-industrial life was great. This was a result of the influence of romantic nationalism and the major social changes brought about by industrialization. The Handicraft movement based their work and inspiration in the patterns, materials and techniques found in older craft. They researched craft that could be distinguished as unique to a geographical area. These characteristics could be used as a basis for product development. Landskapssömmar/Provincial embroidery became a concept for picking up patterns and techniques from older needlework and introducing them into modern context.