Edelweiss Knickknack

An image of a small wooden knickknack. On the ends is a spiral pattern. In the center there is a cut flower in the shape of an edelweiss.
From the Eldon House collection

Country of Origin: Likely Austria or Germany
Year: ca. 1898
Materials: Wood and paint 

This is a wooden scroll-shaped object that is heavily detailed with edelweiss flowers. These flowers are symbols of many countries including Austria, Bulgaria, Italy, Romania, Slovenia, and Switzerland. This piece is assumed to have Germanic origins. In Victorian flower language edelweiss is a symbol of devotion especially in harsh circumstances.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.