Lovely old cross stitch embroidered mangle board holder . This piece is from the Kalotaszeg region of Transylvania. Faded red cross stitch on hemp, this piece dates from the 19th century. In the days before irons and metal mangles wooden mangle boards were used to flatten linen. These wooden mangles were usually handcarved by young men, sometimes as gifts for their bride to be, they often had intricate carved designs and have become collectors items in their own right. There is more information on the history of the mangle board here
