Ekshärad

The story behind the pattern "Ekshärad"

Ekshärad is a locality in Värmland, known for its wooden church and cemetery from the late 17th century with more than 500 iron crosses. These crosses are shaped like trees of life, with loosely hanging "fluttering leaves" that move in the wind. In earlier times, painted wooden eggs were placed on the upward-pointing spikes during certain celebrations. The crosses were originally made by local village blacksmiths, and the craft tradition is still alive today, continued by Stjärnsforssmedjan. The iron crosses are a central part of Ekshärad's identity, carrying a timeless story of craftsmanship, history, and faith.

Ekshärad Church is mentioned as early as the old "Västgötalagen" (Law of Västergötland) from the 13th century. The original church was unfortunately damaged by flooding due to its location near the Klarälven River. In the 15th century, a new church was built, but history repeated itself when it too was flooded. The parish council then decided to build yet another church on safer ground; this one dates from 1686.

Designer Åse Öjbro, founder of Öjbro Vantfabrik, creates with wearable art as her foundation. She previously worked as an artist before turning to functional design. She has created this decorative pattern inspired by the life-affirming spirit of Ekshärad's iron crosses, their hanging leaves and spikes, framed by small cottages.

- I wanted to capture the spirit of Ekshärad – these life-affirming crosses with such rich Swedish cultural history and craftsmanship, all still preserved in Ekshärad.