Morley takes a tour around Rogaland kicking off with a visit to a re-enactment site of life in the Bronze Age. The South- Westland with Rogaland in its centre, was the site of some of the earliest large settlements in Norway, ruled by powerful clans of chieftains from North Jaeren and the area around Karmsund. This probably is the reason why the first king of Norway, Harald Harfagre, needed to subjugate all the other regions, before he dared tackle the South-Westland.
The decisive battle against his last significant opponent took place at Hafrsfjord, near Stavanger, towards the end of the 800’s probably in the late summer of 872. The outcome of this battle – which the Rogalanders lost –was that Norway was united for the first time in one kingdom, under one king.
Ever since then, however, Rogalanders have a tendency to view the central government with a degree of skepticism. With good reason, too, since this central government has always extracted greater goods from the county than value of what they have given in return.
The bronze ‘lur’ were found at Revheim in Stavanger and are thought to have been used in connection with religious ceremonies. The lur are believed to have been made in Rogaland - fascinating. Morley then continues the musical theme and enjoys the wonderful Hardenger fiddle playing of Ruth Anne Moen enhanced by the stunning scenery.
Rogaland used have a poor reputation in the way of folk music. However the results of a search made Ruth Anne Moen in the Ryfylke suggests that this is far from true. After graduating from the Rogaland Music Conservatory, Ruth Anne Moen was given the task of collecting folk music in the Ryfylke Folk Museum. Based on her results, we should make haste to search further before the traces disappear altogether.
It’s then a quick visit to the Iron Age farm at Ullandhaug. The Iron Age farm at Ullandhaug is a popular tourist attraction. A whole farm complex has been recreated on foundations discovered during archaeological excavations. The new farmhouses were built under museum supervision, in the same materials, tools and techniques available to the original builders: Iron Age man. In tourist season there are guided tours by museum staff and demonstrations of cooking, spinning and weaving as they were practiced some thousand years ago
A keen interest in the social and economical development issues of Rogaland see Morley checking out the fantastic medical equipment of world fame. The founder of this enterprise was Asmund S. Laerdal who started out many years ago making plastic dolls and toys. Laerdal died in 1981 but the firm continues in family hands.
The big breakthrough for the Stavanger manufacturing firm was Resusci –Anne, the lifelike training doll used in the cardiopulmonary resuscitation technique. Anne is becoming more sophisticated with age; newer versions of the training doll are more advanced. Laerdal Medical works in co-operation with top professionals within emergency medicine and the firm is held in the highest professional esteem around the world.
Morley then meets the computer entrepreneur Jacob Hatteland in Vindafjord who sells electric components all over the world. He employs fifty people, whom he provides with a nursery school and a swimming pool.
The pendulum did eventually swing to towards the lighthearted fun “Johanna og Broremann” full of Stavanger ballads with lyrics by the city’s favorite native writer, Andreas Jacobsen, warmed many a soul and box office queues were long. Including the performance at the large capacity Concert House, close to 35,000 people – a record – got to see Johanna and her little brother flying through Stavanger history on wings of music. The actors of Johanne og Broremann: Ketil Egge, Sally Nielsen , Gretelill Taangen, Mia Gundersen, Dag Schreiner, Per Inge Totkelsen, Thor Inge Kristiansen.
It’s then a short journey to see the Stavanger painter Kjell Pahr – Iverson. He has said about himself that he would like to be an angel of light. His Paintings glow. Phar-Iverson has exhibited in a number of countries, among them the United States and France. His work has received international acclaim.
The night is still young so it’s off to celebrate the Bryne Champion Cup win with the 7000 Jaer folk their grandest day since the railway was officially opened in 1837. Bryne ae best! That’s how the home fans cheer their team. It is no exaggeration; either Bryne’s football team came away with the Champion Cup from Ulleval, scoring 0-1 in extra time. A chance meeting with the goal scorer Kolbjorn Ekker rounds off a perfect tour of the Rogaland region.
