Store Witte wieven - original watercolour

Original watercolour illustration Witte Wieven, inspired by Dutch mythology.

The painting measures 23x30,5 cm or 9/12 inch, unframed.

Watercolour on Canson 100% cotton 300 g cold-pressed watercolour paper.

The painting will be sent in a protective plastic sleeve with a sturdy cardboard to protect it.

Price includes shipping per UPS, tracking number will be provided.



Witte wieven

In Dutch mythology and legends, the Witte Wieven (also known as Wittewijven) are spirits of "wise women”. The mythology dates back at least to the pre-Christian era (7th century) and was known in the present-day regions of the Netherlands, Belgium and parts of France.
Witte wieven in modern Dutch literally translates to "white women", but originally meant "wise women". "Wit" or "witte" meant wise in a way similar to the English "witty". Witte wieven is still often translated to "white woman", as the words come from the same roots. The association of wise women with the color white was either an accidental translation error, or a symbolic color store association for wisdom.
Historically, the witte wieven are thought to be wise female herbalists and medicine healers who took care of people's physical and mental ailments. It was said they had the talent for prophecy and looking into the future. They had a high status in the communities, and so when they died ceremonies were held at their grave sites to honour them.
According to mythology, their spirits remained on earth, and they became living spirits that either helped or hindered people who encountered them. They tended to reside in the burial sites or other sacred places. It was thought that mist on a gravehill was the spirit of the wise woman appearing, and people would bring them offerings and ask for help.