Sámi Culture
Originally descendants of nomadic peoples, the Sámi have inhabited northern Scandinavia, as well as Finland and the Kola Peninsula, for thousands of years. The area, called Sápmi, does not have clear boundaries but is largely north of the Arctic Circle, sparsely populated and with long dark cold winters. Traditionally the Sámi lived in tents, lávvus, or turf huts, with reindeer herding as the basis of their economy. Still today, this is an important livelihood. The Sámi make up a large and varied indigenous ethnic group.
There are as many local variations of Sámi culture as there are dialects of their language, but regardless they are usually steeped in nature which shows in their rich vocabulary. Music also plays an important role in Sámi culture, especially the unique tradition of yoiking. Yoiking is a type of song-chanting, often without lyrics, where melody and voice inflection bring out each tune’s specific mood and content.
