Duodji
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Duodji, the Sami handicraft, originates from the time when the Samis were self-supporting nomads, therefore should an object first and foremost serve a purpose. The artistic ornamentation of an artifact was hence of less importance. This however does not means that the Sami handicraft is unartistic, few craftsmen manage to bring function and art together in such a delicate way as the Sami people of northern Europe.
Traditionally Sami handicraft was divided into two sub-groups, - men's and women's handicraft - men used mostly wood and antlers as well as other bones from reindeers when crafting, women used leather, and roots.
Knifes, cases, bags, cups, clothes... Art was made to be used, and are made to be used to these days, but a slight change in the traditional Duodji has been noticeable - what was once made to be used mainly in everyday work is today valuable pieces of art and collectors form all over the world pay tributes to artists such as Esse Poggats, Nils Nilsson Skum, Anders Sunna, Lars Pirak and Ellen Kitok Andersson.
The traditional costume, the gákti or kolt, is of great cultural importance and is mainly used for weddings, funerals, confirmations and other cultural events. The kolt's appearance differs from place to place and it tends to be longer in southern Sápmi than in the north. Traditionally leather, sinews, and wool was used to make the kolt, today however both velvet and silk can be used.
The traditional Sami colours is red, green, blue and yellow.
