Wooden sculpture – the angel from Njutånger

Sweden has a large and unique collection of wooden sculptures. Some were imported, while others come from local workshops. What we classify as wood sculpture includes crucifixes, Madonnas, saint figures, and similar objects that are not part of altarpieces. When examining church art, it is important to remember that medieval church art in Sweden was never intended solely for decoration. It always served a religious purpose.

During the Middle Ages, there was no electricity. To illuminate houses and rooms, people used candles, torches, and oil lamps. In churches, wax candles were placed in various types of candlesticks, for example around the altar, near saint shrines, and in front of holy images.

One type of candlestick used in churches is called a ljusstav (candle staff). These were made of wood and could be several meters tall. They often had decorative elements at the top, where the candle was placed. This angel originally sat at the top of such a candle staff. In one hand, it holds a small candle staff with a candle, while in the other hand it once held a handbell, which is now missing.

Candle staffs were used in the medieval church both as fixed holders and in processions. They could be quite tall, and the staff itself often consisted of a twisted rope-like design. The angel at the top frequently served as decoration. This angel comes from Njutånger in Hälsingland and is missing the original staff and crown it was attached to. One hand still holds a small candle staff, giving a clue to the appearance of the now-lost main staff. The other, movable hand likely held a bell that would ring as the staff was carried. The sculpture retains nearly all of its original paint and was acquired by the museum from an antique dealer in 1932. It was created in the early 16th century, most likely in Haaken Gulleson’s workshop.