Amidst the rolling fields of Skåne, lies a poignant reminder of a bygone era. The Statarmuseet whispers stories of hardship and resilience, echoing the lives of the statarna, Sweden’s landless farmworkers. The Statarmuseet opened in 1995. It was the first museum of its kind in Sweden, dedicated to preserving the history of statars. The Statarmuseet stands near Torup Castle in Svedala Municipality. It serves as a living testament to the struggles and triumphs of these families.
The Statarmuseet isn’t just a collection of artifacts. It is a journey back in time. The museum breathes life into the past, reconstructing the living quarters, outbuildings, gardens, and even the animal pens. You can step into two distinct periods: 1928 and 1952, experiencing firsthand the evolution of statar life. Imagine walking through the “Långa Huset” (Long House), originally built in 1886. This building, once home to six statar families, now houses exhibits that detail the statar system. It showcases their arduous labor, the burden of the “mjölkningsplikt” (milk obligation), also known as the “vita piskan” (white whip), and the unique Arbetarbibliotekmuseum (Worker’s Library Museum).
The Statarmuseet offers a glimpse into the resourcefulness of the statar families. Their reliance on small-scale farming is reflected in the reconstructed gardens and animal enclosures. Today, these spaces are home to dwarf rabbits, Örestad rabbits, a gene bank of Åsbo chickens, “chickens from around the world,” and even mini pigs. The museum maintains the historical accuracy of the livestock. While different breeds are now present, they represent the types of animals statar families would have kept. All crops at the Statarmuseet are organically grown, a nod to the sustainable practices of the past. You can enjoy a meal at the museum’s café, which boasts the highest KRAV certification. They serve homemade and locally sourced food, offering a taste of traditional Swedish cuisine.
The Statarmuseet has received numerous awards, including the “Årets Bevarandepris” (Preservation Award) in 1995. It also received the “Årets Arbetslivsmuseum” (Work-Life Museum of the Year) in 2020. These accolades are a testament to the museum’s dedication to preserving this crucial part of Swedish history. The Statarmuseet originated from a project called “Det skånska statar- och lantarbetarprojektet” (The Scanian Statar and Farmworker Project). This project, started in 1985, documented the lives of statarna through various media, including a play titled “I skuggan – ett spel om statare i uppror” (In the Shadows – A Play About Statars in Rebellion”). This play and other elements of the project sparked the movement to establish a permanent museum dedicated to statar history, eventually leading to the creation of the Statarmuseet. So, as you leave the Statarmuseet, remember the faces and the stories. They represent a vital part of Sweden’s social and agricultural history. They are a reminder of the human spirit’s enduring strength in the face of adversity.