In sunlight, crow's-feet silver glitters like freshly polished silver, and has therefore been used as a substitute for silver. The Sami people have used crow's feet as decoration since time immemorial.
Crow silver, rebenhollie (fox silver), is a mineral found in the rock type mica schist. The rock type is soft and porous, and lies in thin flakes on top of each other. The flakes are silvery shiny, and therefore suitable for decoration. The mineral has also been called poor man's silver.
The mineral can withstand high temperatures, and was therefore previously used as glass in ovens, and in other electrical products.
We find descriptions of the use of crow silver in Sámi clothing and accessories dating back to the 1700s. Belts, *kofte* collars, trim, bags and boxes, among other items, were decorated with crow silver.
Brought back to life
The technique of sewing with kråkesølv (a type of metallic embroidery) was lost in our regions for many years. In the 1980s, the technique was revived in connection with projects surrounding the revitalisation of old clothing traditions. The heather-lined kofta is decorated with kråkesølv on the chest, on the chest panel, and in the collar of the men's kofta.
The technique involves making small holes in decorative pieces of cloth. Behind the holes, you attach flakes of mica, then apply the cloth firmly onto the chosen base.
Digital books
Our national costume, Gry Fors, National Library of Norway
Sea Sami clothing in old Lyngen, Lene Antonsen, National Library of Norway
Workbook for Lyngenkofta, Lene Antonsen, National Library of Norway
Current links
Crow silver decoration, Sámi Language Centre Kåfjord
Artist Jorunn Løkvoll delves into the art of crow silver, learn more on her blog
