The Green Man is a fascinating folk art symbol. Some sources say it is a medieval symbol of spring and rejuvenation. But most sources can only be tracked back to the 1930s, making this a modern folk art symbol. Although, soon it will be 100 years old, which doesn’t feel very modern!
Usually carved or created with clay, the Green Man is always depicted as a man’s face emerging from leaves. Sometimes happy, sometimes menacing, he’s a bit like the jolly green giant, or other green men in art and culture.
Here’s a photo of a Green Man type, called Jack in the Green.
I wont get into much more on the folk art end of things, just know that it exists, it’s history is debatable, and there are places in the world where they make a big deal out of it.
For my part, I am absolutely fascinated by this motif. As both a wood worker, fiber artist, and big fan of folk art in general – I know there will be more Green Man motifs in my future!
Now lets chat distaffs!
This is the oak wood Folkart Distaff that we have available for sale.
It’s a heavier distaff, closer in weight to the Lendbreen Viking Age Hand Disatff, but a bit shorter at 18 inches.
The design is flat, reminiscent of the eastern european flat distaff designs, but is designed to be handheld instead of fixed to a seat or a spinning wheel.
Since they are flat, it allows for a lot more play with the painted motifs.
The blue flower designs are the original Folk Art distaff design here at ACF, and are inspired by Swedish folkart.
The Green one is our Green Man!
And these are sides A and B, with both sides of each distaff painted.
The top of one side of the distaff shows the most prominent Green Man, and a green heart, respectively.
There are also oak leaves, acorns, and this small, very simple, nod to Celtic circles. Popular culture has intertwinned knot artwork with the Celts, which is true, but there is a huge collection of Celtic circles that are also represented in Celtic art.
The second Green Man face is this little guy in the very center. He’s a little more hidden in the leaves! Which feels so secret, and almost spooky.
He’s quite interpretive, do you see him? Look for the small brown eyes and brown nose.
Here he is all loaded with some very green merino wool that has since been spun and used in multiple scarves! The ribbon is white with little green marks that remind me of leaves. If you are thinking of buying him, I also have dark green velvet ribbon. Also, I do make matching oak spindles and offer matching stone whorls for this style distaff.
Along the line of true folkart, the design is a little less polished and a little more raw.
He has yet to find an interested buyer! But I’m sure someone is out there. Finding a hand distaff user, looking for a finely finished hand distaff with an obscure folk art design – well it’s a tall order!
Artistically everything about this distaff is so much fun.
I’ve got my eye on some other Celtic designs and tools, so stay tuned!
And as it is Saint Patrick’s Day today, Erin Go Bragh!
The Apple Creek Farm 
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