When Sons of Norway was cleaning out storage closets in 2018, imagine my utter surprise not only to unbox a full bunad in new condition, but to find one with a unique theme. There had to be a good story behind this rare find.
Festooned with Viking ships, covered wagons, the year 1825 and fringe, I could guess its theme, but was astonished that someone would have donated a full bunad that seemed like it had never been worn.
Being interested in historical costumes and bunads in particular, I examined every inch of the garments, inside and out. The meticulous work involved in sewing this garment equaled that of any of the traditional Norwegian designs. To my delight, the inner seams revealed not only the name of the bunad’s creator, but also that it was a numbered work of art. There were more bunads like this!
Through some internet research, I made contact with the creator’s daughter, who revealed some of the emigration bunad’s fascinating history.
Käthe Synøve Jon Nilsen was a bunad maker from Sandefjord, Norway. Nilsen was interested in Viking history, genealogy and the Norwegian American experience. In addition to running a traditional bunad sewing business, Nilsen was somewhat of a costuming maverick.
Emigrasjonsbunaden is Käthe Synøve Jon Nilsen’s original creation, hand-signed and numbered 3. Designed in 1984, this costume is a mash-up of Viking and American settler symbols, with a covered wagon, log cabin and fringed shawl, as well as a Viking, dragon ship, and rosemaling decoration. The costume was offered in black, blue and white wool twill and could be embroidered with or without the addition of Norwegian and American flags.
Nilsen also designed a bunad in 1992 for Sandefjord’s 150th anniversary. That creation features embroidery with the Gokstad Viking ship and bluebells, which grow abundantly in Vestfold.
The tale of how the Emigrasjonsbunad made its way to our storage space remains a mystery, but it is currently on display at Sons of Norway’s office and serves as a wonderful conversation piece.
