Wooden carved and painted Dala horse from Sweden

The Dala horse (Dalahäst) is a traditional carved, painted wooden horse statuette originating from the Swedish province of Dalarna. Dating back to the 17th century, these horses were originally carved by woodcutters in the region during long winter evenings as toys for their children. The distinctive red-orange paint with decorative harness patterns became standardized in the 19th century, drawing from Swedish folk art traditions. Dala horses gained international recognition after being exhibited at the World's Fair in New York in 1939, where they became symbols of Sweden. Collectors and enthusiasts of Scandinavian folk art particularly value these pieces for their cultural significance and craftsmanship. The horses represent Swedish heritage and are considered both decorative art objects and important cultural artifacts that connect people to traditional Nordic craftsmanship.