THE SAMI

Indigenous people from Norway

THE SAMI PEOPLE

Sami's life

Fjord fishing

Craftwork

Reindeer raising and herding

Music and singing-Yoik

Traditional games

Typical dress-Kofte

Lavvo

INDEX

The Sami people have a population spread over Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. In the past, the sami lived in the area known as Lapland but today many have moved to urban centers in Northern Norway, or in Oslo or surrounding areas. The Sami keep their traditions alive by passing them from generation to generation. If you visit them you will have the opportunity to know the typical Sami lifestyle, you can ride a dog sled, spend the night in a lavvo (typical Sami tent) or see their reindeer.

SAMI'S LIFE

Some videos to see the typical Sami lifestyle

FEBRUARY 6TH, NATIONAL HOLIDAY

The Sami people celebrate their national day. That day there are reindeer races, concerts, people learn to sing a yoik and you can eat bidos. And in the market square there is a national lasso thowing championship.

A lavvo is a typical Sami tent. In the video you can see how they are built.

LAVVO

The typical Kofte costume is another tradition. It is mostly worn on special occasions, such us weddings o cultural events. The colors and embellishments of the costume are red, blue, yellow and green.

KOFTE

Yoik or Sami songs are one of the oldest musical traditions in Europe. They have a particular vocal characteristics and are sung in honor of a person, an animal or a place. Yoik can be performed during many everyday activities.

YOIK

Reindeer have always been a fundamental part of the Sami culture, there is no part of the animal that is not used for something: its meat for food, its skin and fur to make clothes and shoes and its horns are used to create tools and beautiful works of arts. Today, many people are engaged in Sami reindeer herding. They live from the sale of product related to the reindeer. The meat is sold all over Norway and its even exported. And with the skins gloves, shoes and other leader products are made. Therefore, reindeer meat is a essential component of Sami gastronomy. Reindeer is served in many ways but the most famous dish is the bidos, a kind of stew made with carrots, potatoes and reindeer meat.

REINDEER RAISING AND HERDING