– I think it’s very sad, then. I would like to pass on all the knowledge I have. Grethe Lysaker Seljenes (69) shows off her office at home in Krokstadelva. This is where she makes the Eikerdrakta – from start to finish. She is the only one in Norway who makes the suit. But now the suit is in danger of disappearing. Namely, there is no one who wants to take over for Seljenes, who is starting to age. – I’m relatively fit for my age, but I don’t know how long it will last. I can’t go on forever, she says. Storting President Masud Gharahkhani is a proud wearer of his Eiker suit. Here from the parliament balcony, 17 May 2022. Photo: Morten Brakestad / Morten Brakestad Vulnerable and delayed The Bunad problem applies to several smaller towns in the country. – I think many people don’t think much about the fact that their clothes may be in danger of disappearing. Head of the Norwegian Institute for Bunad and Folk Costume, Camilla Rossing, recognizes the situation in Eiker. Rossing pulls out an example from Iveland in Agder. – There was also a fear that the local bunade would die out. CLOTHING EXPERT: Head of the Norwegian Institute for Bunad and Folk Costume, Camilla Rossing, says that it is not the first time someone has struggled to get a replacement in the bunad production. Photo: Laila Durán The relatives of the last manufacturer of the Ivelandsbunad had to travel the country and the coast to get advice from professionals about what they could do. Fortunately for the ivdølans, it was a competent person who eventually made contact and took over the production. But the time that passed before the replacement arrived may have been important time that was lost. – The transfer of tradition between new and old manufacturers is incredibly valuable. It further ensures the quality, says Rossing, who ends with the following sigh of relief: – Bunaden is important to us Norwegians, but we sometimes take it for granted. It is sad. Concern and optimism In Stavanger, a course will be held in making the reconstructed Rogaland costume. The women’s association started work on the reconstructed women’s association already in 1980. Everything on a voluntary basis. The two main leaders for the course are over 80, the other two are in their 70s. Målfrid Grimstvedt on the Board of Trustees in Rogaland Youth Association and leader of the Norwegian Folk Costume Forum. Photo: Private – That’s why it’s important to recruit, says course instructor and bunad maker Målfrid Grimstvedt cheerfully. She is among the “youngest” of the course holders. – Are you worried on behalf of the bunadan? – Both-and. In our case, we are in the process of training, we have brought in a fifth person. And there is great demand for our courses, answers Grimstvedt. She is aware that several bunades are in danger of dying out when recruitment is as it is. – It is worrying, there are hardly many places, she says. They make reconstructed suits from the 18th century. The men’s suits are copies from the early 19th century. – Hand sewing, traditions and proper craftsmanship, says Grimstvedt, who fears that this may disappear when production moves abroad. – Three out of four bunads are sewn in Austen today. And no, I’m not happy about it, she asserts. The Bunad gang may not be in large numbers. But interest is fortunately increasing, as here at the course in Stavanger. Photo: Cecilie Valentine Brekke / news Kurshaldar Ragnhild Ødegaard works hard to pass on important knowledge. Photo: Cecilie Valentine Brekke / news Bunadsbaluba. Photo: Cecilie Valentine Brekke / news Course participants in deep concentration. Photo: Cecilie Valentine Brekke / news Kurshaldarar in finstasen. From left: Eli Olsen, Daghild Håvardsholm, Målfrid Grimstvedt and Ragnhild Ødegaard. Photo: Cecilie Valentine Brekke / news – Should be sewn locally Gunnhild Aasen (78) at Stoffstugu in Numedal thinks the same. For 43 years, she has sewn bunades in various variations from upper and lower Numedal. She calls it her life’s work. But no one is ready to take over after her. – What I do is unique. I get provoked when someone tries to pressure me to move production to Oslo. Local clothes should preferably be sewn locally, says Aasen, who has absolutely no intention of giving up. – I will continue as long as my health allows. My ancestors lived to be over 100, she laughs. Busy times Back in Krokstadelva, the sewing machine and the iron go together at Grethe Lysaker Seljenes. The period from now until 17 May is the busiest of the year. If no one takes over from Grethe Lysaker Seljenes, a piece of clothing for local and displaced eikerværings will be lost. Photo: Eirik Leivestad Hall / news But there probably won’t be many more hectic spring periods behind the sewing machine for the underwear manufacturer. She herself expresses concern that no one is taking over the production of the Eikerdrakta. – It is an incredible shame if it turns out that no one wants to take over. Then no one will be able to order this garment here anymore. – Are there none of your children who would consider taking over then? – They are in no way interested in this, at all, concludes Seljenes. This is the Eikerdrakta: Was produced for the first time in 1995. Designed and designed by Per Røgeberg, to give the Eikervärings the opportunity to have a more local bunad than the Buskerud bunaden. Distinctive feature: The pattern with chicory flowers on the women’s suit is unique to the Eikerdrakta. The men’s suit has its own red pattern in the middle of the vest. Production: Grethe Lysaker Seljenes is the only one in Norway who produces the suit, from start to finish. Seljenes has produced just over 300 Oak suits by hand since the end of the 90s. Hi! Do you have questions about the story you just read? 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