Reconstruction

An important part of the Norwegian Institute of Bunad and Folk Costume's advisory activities is related to reconstruction projects based on local costume traditions.

Some of the bunads we have created are exact copies of old folk costume traditions, what we call reconstructed bunads. A reconstruction entails undertaking a systematic mapping of costume traditions in a specific area and then copying a costume from the same place and time period. In addition to preserved garments, other important sources can be photographs, paintings, written material and oral traditions. These sources can tell us something about how the garments were used and on what occasions. It's also important to find out about trade and commercial routes and contact with other rural communities.

Once the fieldwork is completed, an assessment is made of whether enough preserved garments and other source materials are available to form the basis for making a reconstruction. The Norwegian Institute of Bunad and Folk Costume then makes an assessment of which garments should be reconstructed or how garments that have already been selected match the available source material.

The actual work on reconstructing the bunad is undertaken locally, often in collaboration with the Norwegian Institute of Bunad and Folk Costume. The Norwegian Institute of Bunad and Folk Costume can provide assistance on patterns, materials and seamwork tutorials. Once the reconstruction is completed, the Norwegian Institute of Bunad and Folk Costume issues a written opinion on the work and a diploma. The Norwegian Institute of Bunad and Folk Costume only provides advice and assessments to parties who initiate contact.