Much of northern Europe used to be covered in forests of birch and pine. These are very useful woods, good for general carpentry, but not suited to the fine and detailed carving found on objects from woods grown further south. Traditional decoration therefore tends to be big and bold with geometric and floral chip carved patterns, often highlighted with brightly coloured paint work.This mangling board was made in Norway and is dated 1838. It is an example of "husflid", traditional carving which is carried out during the long winter months when it is not possible to work outside. Highly carved mangling boards were used as ornaments in the home and were also sometimes hung outside the house to signify that the owner took in laundry.