ABOUT MARKA
WELCOME TO MARKA
THE SHEEP LETTER FASCINATES ME
The Faroese Sheep Letter is the inspiration behind MARKA. In 1298, the Faroese people were afforded the oldest known legal document, the "Sheep Letter". The MARKA logo consists of earmarks that are on record in the original Sheep Letter. Eight centuries later, they are still in use on my family's farm Oyrareingjagardur in Oyrareingir.
TO EARMARK SHEEP
I chose to call my business MARKA because in Faroese "at marka lomb" means to earmark sheep. Growing up, I watched my father and grandfather earmark our sheep before leaving them to wander off into the lush green surroundings. We knew that should they stray far or accidentally become part of another farmer's herd, the earmarks would ensure their safe return. The Sheep Letter lays the foundation for such a simple yet efficient organization of agricultural practices.
POSSIBILITIES IN TRADITION
My interest in the Sheep Letter is twofold. I am fascinated by its historical significance and how it has helped shape day to day work on my family's farm for centuries. Secondly, I find the simplicity of the earmarks a thing of beauty and elegance. This is why I chose to use the earmarks as my logo. MARKA products are, in essence, a piece of Faroese heritage. If you visit the Faroe Islands and bring home a MARKA product, I hope that the MARKA earmarks can conjure fond memories from your visit.
FIRST PRODUCT
I released my first product two years ago: A tote-bag made out of 100% eco-cotton, which featured the gold earmarks. The following year I launched my second product, a high-end umbrella also featuring the gold earmarks. This year, I decided to add guided tours on my family's estate. The estate boasts breath-taking scenery and landmarks that have witnessed significant historical events. By taking people on guided tours, I want to give them a unique experience full of history and natural beauty.
Travellers
It is no coincidence that I chose to offer a tote-bag and umbrella as Marka's first products. A tote bag is easy to take with you on a trip, short or long, and an umbrella shelters you from the elements. For centuries our farm has offered shelter to many a weary traveller. In 1966 Oyggjarvegurin was built but before that Hórisgøta was the main route taken by people travelling north from the capital. People travelled on foot or by horse. Oyrareingjargarður was a natural place to stop, have a bite to eat, connect with family and friends and even spend the night.
EARMARKED FOR YOU
I hope that the person who buys a Marka product feels that (s)he walks away with a quality item with a unique history. As I like to put it: the product has been earmarked for you! I hope that people who come to the Faroe Islands and purchase a product from Marka have an item which conjures up fond memories of their stay on the Faroe Islands.
