Kannuksenpyörä – Häme Ryijy Rug

The earliest known record of colorful ryijy rugs comes from the inventory of Häme Castle’s storeroom in 1547. At that time, the castle held no fewer than 55 ryijy rugs, ten of which were immediately sent to the King of Sweden. Ryijy rugs served both as warm blankets and as a means of paying taxes.

By the late 18th century, the humble woolen tufts of the ryijy blossomed into vibrant patterns of flowers, birds, and trees of life. The ryijy became a source of family pride, hung on the wall, used as a wedding cover, and placed atop the coffin as a funeral pall. The Finnish affection for the ryijy has never faded — in fact, it is experiencing a new revival today.

The exhibition Kannuksenpyörä – The Häme Ryijy Rug presents textiles from the collections of the Hämeenlinna City Museum, celebrating this long and colorful tradition of craftsmanship from the Häme region.