Sundbø says, in the description accompanying the pattern for these mittens, in the English edition of Norwegian Mittens and Gloves:

“They represent women’s power with memories of the fight for women’s rights, the hippie days, the goddesses of destiny, enticing lady dancers, troll women, and rock’n’roll….”

Note that the pattern for the border above the cuff (before starting the hand pattern) is located to the side of the main chart on the page.