Kroting (traditional wall decoration)
Kroting, also called kritkroting, is traditional painted decoration in Norwegian log houses, particularly associated with western Norwegian smokehouses. Hardanger Folk Museum describes geometric patterns made with crushed chalk and water. The decoration is drawn or painted on the surface and should be distinguished from carved ornament.
Patterned borders can form continuous decoration around a room. Materials and execution could vary. Examine a particular fragment before assigning a precise binder or technique. A pale geometric border on wood is not automatically an original example from an old smokehouse.
The museum's work also demonstrates modern reconstruction of kroting motifs. When assessing historic interiors, distinguish the documented ages of the building, substrate and decoration. An old log room may contain newer decoration. Keep photographs, restoration information and known former locations as part of the history of the object or room.
