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Norwegian Drinking Bowl c. 1850 | Artifact Spotlight | Time Travel Iowa

1,288 views · Published 6 November 2018 · 3:27 · Indexed 23 September 2026

Channel: Iowa PBS · 2018 · Education

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This drinking bowl, known as a kjenge, was brought to Iowa by Norwegian immigrant family. The horse shape that makes up the two handles is a fertility symbol in Norway. The bowl would have been passed around at celebrations. It was carved from a single piece of burl wood. The painting technique is known as rosemåling, a traditional form of decorative folk art which originated in Norway. The shape and painting styles place its origin as the west coast of Norway. Ale bowls typically stayed with the farm or house where they were made. When the farm or home changed hands, the ale bowl would have been left with the new owners.

Artifact: Norwegian Drinking Bowl
Date: c. 1850
Museum Location: Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum, Decorah, IA

Explore the people, places and events of Iowa history with IPTV's Iowa Pathways website. http://www.iptv.org/iowapathways

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