WHERE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE ARE WEAVED TOGETHER

"Historical use of nettle" is a collection and documentation project about making textiles from nettle and builds on the project "From plant to garment" under the auspices of the Norwegian Crafts Institute. Here I dig into the depths of the intangible cultural heritage from Scandinavia and Europe. The professional goal is to obtain information about different nettle textiles; where preparation, spinning methods and weave distinguish quality in different traditions.

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In old sources I have found that nettle was grown in Norway for textile and shoe production, but with different methods than those I have learned through modern sources. I have found two living women who, on opposite sides of Norway, had a grandmother/great-grandmother who grew nettle and made textiles. But I have also found useful uses for people and livestock from pig pens to 6-hour morning toilets.

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As part of cultural context and sustainability, I will also try out additional uses of nettle so that absolutely EVERYTHING on the plant is used and has a useful purpose in harmony with nature.

The collection can hopefully contribute to a broader understanding of the material's historical use, and possibly give us the knowledge the future needs for current production on the way to achieving the climate goals.

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The project is supported by the Norwegian Cultural Council.