Harvest Crowns

Harvest Crown for chickens, pigs and cows. A project with a focus on poultry- and livestock farming within the context of the farm and its significance for our lifestyle, based on the interdependence between humans and animals. The approach of the project lies in the reinterpretation of gratitude rituals.

The design language of the objects is inspired by harvest crowns, a culturally anchored rite in Germany and Austria that continues to symbolize gratitude for a good harvest. Originally a religious tradition, it has prevailed since the nineteenth century and is perpetuated annually by community groups referring to themselves as "Landfrauen" (country women). The craftsmanship of the tradition lies in the construction of the crowns. Composed of a base structure adorned with bundled ears of grain, the crowns usually decorate the village center during harvest celebrations.

Within the project on the farm, it serves as a new interpretation of gratitude in the context of modern agriculture and questions to whom the thanks are dedicated.

Bound from the usual sheaves of grain in combination with plants from the immediate surroundings of Hofgut Rimpertsweiler, the gratitude crowns are created, aligning themselves with the current discourse on the relationship between humans and animals. Modified from the origins of many traditions that deal with materials and their significance, putting craftsmanship to the forefront, these crowns are a gesture of appreciation to the animals.

Design, Concept, Production:
Johanna Seelemann, In the context of the Farm Project, 2023

Picture CreditS:
Julia Sang Nguyen, Nils Körner, Johanna SeelemanN

Studio Team:
Kiki Astner, Kato Herbots, Marc Goldbach

Exhibitions:
︎︎︎ ‘Farm’ Group Project, Hofgut Rimpertsweiler, 21 July - 24 September 2023