Lomen stave church (Lomen stavkyrkje) is located in the community of Lomen in Vestre Slidre municipality, Valdres, Norway. It was built in the second half of the 12th century. The church was rebuilt and enlarged in 1779. In december last year we were invited by the clergyman in the parish to take some of the photos for the book at the site. On a sparkling winter morning, with the valley frosted with ice, we arrived with two models dressed for the cold and an infant in swaddling-clothes.
The gate of Lomen Stave Church.
The man is wearing a bunad from Valdres. The top hat is to mark the occasion. The woman is wearing a bunad from Nord-Tröndelag, a style that was used in the beginning of the 19th century.
This bunad is made of dark blue cloth with brown velvet details. He is keeping his hands warm with beautifully embroidered mittens.
Interior of the stave church. The church is supported by 4 collumns, and has three lavishly carved portals, chancel-arches and column capitals.
The baptism of the child was important and no matter the weather conditions the baby was taken to church. There are no electricity in the church so the baby was wrapped in warming traditional swaddling-clothes.
An 12th century detail from the exterior of the church.
This is the view of the valley from the church yard. This morning the sun was shining and there was minus 22°C
Even the ponys had ice crystals in their fur. If you like to see more photos the book SCANDINAVIAN FOLKLORE will be on sale from May 1st. Order from: laila@durantextiles.com
