Wooden Norwegian beer container (ølkar) with carved Flower of Life motif and runic inscription

This wooden ølkar is a traditional Norwegian beer container dating from the 19th to early 20th century. The lid features a hand-carved Flower of Life pattern, a sacred geometric motif, along with runic inscriptions that were commonly used in Norwegian folk art and woodcarving traditions, particularly in rural areas. Norwegian beer containers like this were essential items for brewing and serving beer during celebrations and seasonal festivities such as weddings, Christmas, and midsummer. These containers are highly valued by collectors of Scandinavian folk art, runologists, and traditional crafts enthusiasts for their cultural significance and connection to Norwegian brewing heritage. The combination of geometric carving and runic inscription adds both historical authenticity and symbolic meaning within Norwegian folk culture.