DepartmentTextiles-Europe

Mittens with Sámi flag pattern

NameMittens

Maker Barbro Ronnqvist

CultureSámi

Date2018

Place madeJokkmokk, Sweden, Europe

MediumWool

DimensionsEach: 8 1/4 × 3 5/16 in. (21 × 8.4 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, International Folk Art Foundation Collection, FA.2019.19.1

Object numberFA.2019.19.1ab

ProvenanceThese mittens were knit by Barbro Rönnqvist and sold through the artist co-op Hantverksbutiken Jokkmokk in downtown Jokkmokk. Regional mitten patterns with strong local histories can be found all over Scandinavia. Similarly, there’s a strong correlation between identity and mitten patterns, suggesting a wearer’s connection with particular places or even families. These innovative mittens very interestingly feature the Sámi national flag, a style I have never seen (before or since). They may be Barbro Rönnqvist’s unique design. Unfortunately, I have not been able to make direct contact with her to confirm. Her colleagues knew these to be unquestionably by her, implying that she is known locally for the design.

DescriptionThese gray mittens (stockinette stitch) have stripes in red, green, yellow, and blue---the colors of the Sami flag. A sewn circle (stem stitch) is on the back of each mitten, half red and half blue.