Janneke Jacobs
Atelier de Appe
Woodcarver
Grijpskerke, Netherlands
From farm tool to treasured heirloom
- Janneke carves horse knife handles, traditionally used by farmers in Zeeland
- She originally learned the craft with her father, now adding her own creative designs
- Her mission is to keep the heritage of this Dutch craft alive
Inspired by her father, Janneke Jacobs rediscovered the craft of carving horse knives in 2011. Today, she is helping to preserve an important part of the cultural heritage of the Dutch province of Zeeland. With exquisite attention to detail, Janneke creates intricately carved handles, working primarily in boxwood. She combines centuries-old techniques with her own artistic vision. "Each piece is an heirloom that can be treasured for generations," she explains. Alongside her carving, Janneke derives great satisfaction from passing on her craft to students through workshops and courses. She has also documented more than a century of horse knife makers in a landmark book and is building a digital archive to ensure that the history, makers and designs of this unique tradition are preserved for future generations.
Discover her work
INTERVIEW
I still love teaching as much as I did when I started in 2018. Every class brings me joy. Each person creates something completely unique. No two handles are the same. My students have the opportunity to use their imagination while learning traditional techniques. It is wonderfully rewarding to watch people grow, learn and leave with something they made themselves that they can actually use.
After my father passed away, I found a beautiful piece of boxwood at his house. He had started carving the handle, and I finished it for my children, turning the ball on top into a globe, because every mother wishes the world for her children. The work carries a piece of my father and mentor Frans Dingemanse, who taught me to work with even finer detail. It embodies my whole journey in one object. One day, it will belong to my children.
My book. After a shoulder injury stopped me carving for two years, I wondered whether horse knife carving was really disappearing. A call for information via Facebook proved otherwise. The response led to the making of a 300-page book documenting 171 carvers and their work. I managed to trace an estimated 85% of all horse knife makers from 1900 to the present day. This is a highlight for me because I was able to document such a significant part of this tradition.
The last horse knife I made was for a wedding gift. Traditionally, each knife contains a tiny loose piece in the handle: its ‘soul’. This one had two. When I gave it to the couple, the husband almost cried. Seeing people genuinely moved by something I have made is the greatest compliment I can receive as an artist.
Janneke Jacobs
Atelier de Appe
Woodcarver
Grijpskerke, Netherlands
AVAILABILITY
By appointment only
PHONE
+31 61228572
LANGUAGES
Dutch, English
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