Dala Horses, Pigs & Roosters

The Three Dala Animals — Horse, Pig, and Rooster

The Dala horse is famous worldwide, but it isn't the only carved figure in the Dalarna folk-art tradition. The same Nusnäs workshops that carve horses also produce Dala pigs (dalagris) and Dala roosters (dalatupp) — painted with the same kurbits floral motifs, from the same Swedish pine, by the same hands.

The Dala horse (dalahäst) — the flagship, available in the widest range of sizes (10–17 cm) and colors.

The Dala pig (dalagris) — rarer, rounded and compact; kurbits covers the back and sides. Typically smaller than the horses.

The Dala rooster (dalatupp) — tall, with the boldest kurbits of the three. The comb and tail feathers give painters more surface to work with, so expect dramatic color.

Both Nusnäs Makers Produce All Three

Grannas A. Olssons Hemslöjd (founded 1922) and Nils Olsson Hemslöjd (founded 1928) each produce horses, pigs, and roosters in their full color ranges. Collectors often build sets one of three ways: the full trio (horse + pig + rooster) in one color; a single animal in stepped sizes; or one maker's complete catalog.

Every piece is hand-carved from Swedish pine in Nusnäs, hand-painted with kurbits folk-art, and marked on the base with the maker's name. No two are painted exactly alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "dalagris" and "dalatupp" mean?

Dalagris means "Dala pig." Dalatupp means "Dala rooster." Both follow the same pattern as dalahäst (Dala horse): Dala + the animal name in Swedish.

Are Dala pigs and roosters part of the authentic tradition?

Yes. Both dalagris and dalatupp are made by the same two Nusnäs workshops (Grannas Olsson and Nils Olsson) using the same carving and kurbits painting traditions. They're simply less famous outside Scandinavia than the horses.

Which maker made my piece?

The maker's name is marked on the base of every Dala figurine — either "Grannas A. Olssons Hemslöjd" or "Nils Olsson Hemslöjd." Both workshops are in Nusnäs, Sweden.

Do the pigs and roosters come in the same colors as the horses?

Most color variants are shared — red, blue, black, white. Special editions like the Swedish Flag Series and Celebrate Series are usually produced as horses only.