Fakse
Fakse is a type of carved wooden cult idol from the Setesdal region of Sørlandet, representing a rare survival of pre-Christian worship practices into the 19th century. The most famous fakse figures were Fakse-Brokke (from Brokke farm in Valle) and another from Rygnestad — male wooden figures about one meter tall, carved from pine. Farmers offered beer, butter, and food to the fakse, believing it would bring prosperity, protect livestock, and ensure good harvests. If the fakse was moved or disrespected, it would cause cattle disease and misfortune. The fakse tradition persisted in Setesdal unt