Oltre Terra in Stedelijk Amsterdam
The Stedelijk presents the exhibition Oltre Terra, a research project by design studio Formafantasma on the history, ecology, and global impact of wool production. Humans have strongly influenced the evolution of sheep, but sheep have also contributed to human history. Oltre Terra brings together materials, objects, and crafts into a multidisciplinary viewing experience. On view last weekend, through July 13, 2025.
Oltre Terra through July 13, 2025
“Oltre Terra” is an Italian expression that translates literally to “Beyond the Earth” or “Over the Earth” in Dutch. In the context of Formafantasma’s “Oltre Terra” exhibition, which deals with the history, ecology, and global dynamics of wool harvesting and production, it is used to describe the seasonal movement of livestock between grasslands, a concept also known as transhumance. It refers to the connection between different areas and the impact of humans on the land.
The Stedelijk Museum is hosting the exhibition 'Oltre Terra', an interesting research project by design studio Formafantasma on the history, ecology, and global impact of wool production. Humans have domesticated sheep, which in turn have influenced human history by providing wool. 'Oltre Terra' refers, among other things, to the seasonal movement of herds with the environment in mind. In a sense, following domestication, there is almost a symbiotic relationship between humans and sheep. Humans want wool; sheep want to get rid of their fleece. Before humans started keeping sheep, the animals shed their fur naturally. As a result of shearing, their fleece continued to grow.
The program merino sheep is one of the best-known sheep breeds in the world. The Merino sheep is a medium-sized, active breed with fine bones, pink skin, and relatively long legs. There are two types of Merino sheep: hornless sheep (or only small stumps) and horned Merino sheep with long, spiral horns that grow close to the head. Rams usually have horns, and ewes do not. The rescue of the Merino sheep Shrek (1994–2011) became known worldwide. After living in the wild for six years, his fleece weighed nearly 30 kilograms. This story shows how great the demand for Merino wool had become, but it also emphasizes how dependent this type of sheep is on humans for care and survival. Domestication also brought with it the breeding of a breed that was as profitable as possible, such as breeding short-legged sheep so that they could not jump over fences or run, thus being easy to handle and inactive with faster weight gain. Often, such bred animals developed serious health problems.
While sheep were once symbols of wealth in the Western economy, nowadays their fleece is worth hardly anything, despite its unlimited possibilities. Wool has been displaced by cheaper materials such as cotton and synthetic fabrics. Soft merino wool, in particular, is still processed.
However, there are a number of companies where old woolen clothing is cut up, sorted by color, and recycled into good and environmentally friendly clothing. The exhibition explores the complex relationship between humans and sheep and examines the economic and ethical implications of sourcing materials from living beings. 'Oltre Terra' brings together materials, objects, and crafts that are certainly worth seeing.
Reading board
Hoogeveen's Reading Board. The reading board was devised in 1897 by headmaster Hoogeveen from Stiens. Over the years, various versions of the reading board have appeared. The reading board fit well with the 'phonetic method', which was introduced around 1800. With this method, children learned to read words by pronouncing individual sounds phonetically and combining them. Until that time, the 'spelling method' was used, in which sounds were pronounced by spelling them out (aa-pee, en-oo-tee, em-ie-es). The words on the reading board contain the most important letters and sounds. Both 'lamb' (young sheep) and 'sheep' appear on the Reading Board.
The Hoogeveen Reading Board as complete personal stamps, see this link:
https://www.filavaria.nl/Leesplankje.htm
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