Riebansilba - Crow Silver Mohair - English Knitting Pattern

In earlier times, silver was not readily available to most Sámi people. Many lived in sparsely populated areas where they rarely, if ever, came into contact with anyone who could offer such precious metals. But among the grey stones, pieces of a shimmering mineral could be found, splitting into thin flakes that sparkled when they caught the sunlight. For those who did not have the opportunity to adorn themselves with real silver or gold, the glimmer of this stone – crow silver – could be just as precious.

The design of Riebansilba is based on a traditional Sámi shoe band featured in the booklet Belter og band: en samling mønster fra Sør-Varanger by Nelly Must. The band was found in the old barn belonging to Iver Aslaksen in Sandnes around 1954. It is not known when or by whom the band was woven, but it is believed to date from around 1935–1940.

The sweater reflects the dark and light grey shades of the stone. If you wish, you can add a fine silver thread to the grey yarn, allowing it to shimmer like real crow silver.