The interest in artisanal work began a number of years ago, when discovering the technique known as ‘naalbinding’ (or ‘knotless knitting’). It is a technique that can be traced back to the late Mesolithic, and is a way to bind threads together, so it becomes a knitted-like fabric. To naalbind, one needs a particular kind of needle. Skefnigr therefore started making such needles. First in wood, but later also in other materials such as bone, antler and horn. Working with these materials brought forth a curiosity, as to whatever else to make from them. As the Holy Powers of the North are a great inspiration, it was only natural to explore that path.
THE MEANING OF SKEFNIGR
When studying the history of naalbinding, Skefnigr learnt about a number of archaeological findings of needles that had been used for naalbinding. One of these had been found in Aalborg, Denmark, and has been dated to the end of the Viking Age or Early Middle-age. On this particular needle the word ‘Skefnigr’ has been carved, which means gloveneedle or polished sword. Skefnigr adopted the name has been making artisanal work under the name since 2016.
ARTISANAL WORK FROM A NORDIC HEART
Skefnigr is artisanal work strongly inspired by the Northern Holy Powers and the associated rituals. As a an Asatru it has been natural for to create items that can be used in ritual work and other everyday heathen items. All of them have the North in common, either in material or style.
MATERIALS
Skefnigr mainly work in horn, antler, bone and wood. They are all living materials with many beautiful possibilities, but also with their own story to tell. Some times it is the material itself that decides into which direction a project will go, and not the original idea. Most materials are found in thrifts-hops, flea-markets or similar. Skefnigr love recreating second-hand items into something new, or to give them new life in another way. By buying second-hand Skefnigr is ensuring that the materials are sustainable and that no animals has had to die for precisely the materials used in the artisinal work.