How the Ambar Unveils Norway's History of Unique Folk Art
- Anne-Ki Magraff
- Jul 30, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: 5 hours ago
This stunning early 18th-century ambar (container/bucket) captivated me from the moment I stepped through the old yellow door of the Monk House at the Ringerikes Museum in Norway.
It's become my favorite piece of applied art, and since I have the privilege of working part-time at the museum, we get to spend time together daily. And sometimes, I get the feeling it wants to speak to me, as if it has some old secret to share. And maybe it does.
Join me as I explore the history of the Norwegian ambar, mainly used to carry porridge and dairy products, and reveal the hidden meanings of the heathen protection symbols that sometimes adorn these beautifully decorated wooden containers.
Norway's Antique Ambar's: A Treasure Trove of History, Folk Art, Porridge, and Dairy Products
The word "ambar" has a mysterious origin, but it may be related to the Greek word "amphora," a type of ancient jar. Alternatively, it may have originated from the French word "chambre," meaning a room or chamber. Some scholars claim it derives from Germany. But all of this is up in the air. Nobody really knows.
But I can tell you that an ambar (also called dall or tine) is a wooden container with a cylindrical shape and three or four support legs. The bottom is tightly sealed, and the lid, secured by two long sticks, can be lifted off. The handle on the top makes it easy to carry around. It's a great example of traditional folk art from Norway.
Photos: modified with permission from Ringerikes Museum
An ambar had three or four legs, depending on its purpose. You can easily distinguish the ambars used exclusively for porridge, as they have only three legs to stand on. The ambars with four legs were bigger and more versatile, and they generally stored butter, cream, cheese, or milk.
Ambars were adorned with various designs, either burned, carved, or painted onto the wood. The decorations often featured Christian symbols, floral patterns, animal figures, or ancient magical symbols thought to ward off evil spirits.
Ambars were Usually Made Spill and Leak-Proof by Applying One or Two of These Techniques:
Binding the container together with wooden hoops, just like you see on barrels that store wine or whiskey
Sveiping is a term used to describe a traditional technique of bending wood by making shallow cuts along the grain and then steaming or soaking the wood until it becomes flexible. The ends of the bent wood are then sewn together with twine.
The lid also had to seal the container snugly, or else the precious contents would go to waste. Is this where the saying "Don't cry over spilled milk" comes from? These methods were not easy to master. They required years of practice and were passed down from one generation to the next.
The Ambar: A Norwegian Wooden Wonder with a Fascinating History
As mentioned, ambars are traditional wooden containers used in Norway and other European countries for storing and carrying dairy products, such as milk, butter, cream, cheese, and porridge. However, they were also used as lunchboxes for shepherd boys and girls, as well as gifts for weddings, funerals, or new mothers. The owner's initials or name are commonly found inside the lid.
Theodor Kittelsen (1857-1914), a beloved Norwegian artist renowned for his drawings of Norwegian myths and legends, frequently depicted scenes of nature, animals, trolls, and other mythical creatures. But one of his recurring themes was the porridge women, or "grautkjerringer" as they are called in Norwegian. These women brought porridge as a gift to new mothers, the sick, or those in need. They wore traditional costumes called "bunader" and carried baskets, as well as beautifully decorated ambars containing porridge. Kittelsen portrayed them as kind and helpful but also mysterious and magical.
Some ambars were richly decorated, as the old woman in the drawing is carrying, while others were simple and plain. However, did you know that many ambars also had magical protection symbols painted, carved, or burned onto them? These symbols were intended to ward off evil spirits, diseases, and misfortunes from those who owned or used the ambars.
The Secrets of Norwegian Ambars: How They Used Symbols to Protect Themselves from Evil
What makes ambars really fascinating is that many of them had symbols on them that were meant to ward off evil. Even though Norway was officially a Christian country, the old folklore and beliefs still lingered in the air because everything that was not normal was considered dangerous and a threat. Therefore, people employed various methods to protect themselves from the dangers of evil, including the use of ancient symbols with magical powers.
One of the ways they decorated unpainted wooden objects was by burning the symbols into the wood. This method is called svidekor in Norwegian and has been used in folk art and applied art, like the mangle board, since the Bronze Age.
The craftsmen used burning irons with different shapes to create the patterns and symbols on the wood. Sometimes, they added colors to the burned decor, making the ambar even more eye-catching. Just like the ambar shown below. At other times, it would be left as is.
In the olden days and well into the 19th century, people believed these symbols could protect them from supernatural spirits, witches, ghosts, disease, and death. The symbols, some dating back to the Norse culture, had a complex form that evil couldn't pass or penetrate. Ambars depicting Christian motifs do exist, but it's probably better to be safe than sorry...
If you decide to visit the museum, I assure you that you will always find my favorite magical ambar on display, waiting to captivate you with its secrets.
Uncover the Hidden Treasures of Ringerikes Museum, the Monk’s House, and its Curiosities
Ringerikes Museum, an old vicarage dating back to 1636, is an inspiring place to visit, full of curiosities and stories from bygone eras. For over three centuries, this elegant house served as the residence of the local parish priest until it was converted into a museum in the late 1950s.
It's open to visitors during the summer months, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., from June through August. You can also treat yourself to authentic Norwegian waffles, which are super delicious!
At the museum, you can discover fantastic stories from the past. Learn how Anna Colbjørnsdatter, the brave priest's wife and a true heroine, helped to defeat the Swedish invaders at Norderhov in 1716, and how the famous Norwegian fairy tale collectors Jørgen Moe and Per Christen Asbjørnsen met for the first time in the Monk's House, where you also can admire the black and white ambar shown above.
And don't get me started on the kitchen that was added in 1729. This room is filled with the echoes of the past, the lively conversations, the hearty laughs, the heated arguments, and the juicy gossip that have taken place here.
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