The young woman in this picture postcard is wearing the traditional Norwegian “bunad,” the national costume of Norway. This costume was a product of the Norwegian Romantic Nationalist movement in the mid-1800’s, which sought to create a Norwegian national identity following nearly three hundred years of Danish dominance over Norway. Recognizing the unique heritage and culture of the farmers and peasants in the countryside, the national costume reflects traditional rural style, which them became the nation’s “folk costume.” The specific design of the bunad is linked with the various regions of Norway, each having its own style. This bunad probably originated in Southwestern Norway in the region of Voss.