Hand Covering
- Date 1800-1830
- Place of Origin Aga, Hardanger, Hordaland, Norway
- Creator Unknown
This hand covering, or handaklede, is made of natural linen. Two-thirds of the piece is covered in very fine blackwork embroidery (cross stitch primarily) in diamond patterns. The lace border is possibly machine-made.
A handaklede was worn by the bride during the marriage ceremony. The custom goes back to when a priest would cover the right hands of a couple to protect the marriage from evil powers.
- Materials Linen
- Dimensions length: 21.6 inches; width: 18.5 inches
- Identifier / Source 1985.103.025 - Gift of Sigrid O. Melloh