E1551: Glibbsølje brooch

Ethnographic

---

Identifier:

E1551

Classification Category:

3:Personal Artifacts ➞ Adornment ➞ pins

Marks/Labels:

On the back- Vesterheim museum accession number "429" written on whiteout

Materials:

metal ➔ silver
metal ➔ bronze

Dimensions:

5.19 cm L
3.56 cm W
Thickness: .7 cm

Provenance of Object:

The glibbsølje pin most likely originates in Telemark in western Norway, but can now be found all over the country. The facial motifs date back to before christianity, but because of the Catholic revival many glibbsølje have religious symbolism such as God, Jesus, or the Virgin Mary. Many glibbsølje have six symmetrical faces, or masks, that surround a center thorn hole. Six is a multiple of 3, which is an important number in Christian art as the number represents the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Glibber, which can also be found as decoration on building, are thought to have a protective power.

Production Date:

Unknown

Use/Function:

This brooch, often worn with bunad (traditional Norwegian dress), is used as traditional Norwegian costume silver. It holds the collar of the shirt together in the front.
The glibbsølje specifically has been thought to provide symbolic protection.

Source Locality:

Luther College Museum Collections, from the Vesterheim 11/23/20

Description:

This is a silver glibbsølje brooch. It features facial motifs surrounding a center thorn hole.

---