Sami a.k.a. Lapps

Sami a.k.a. Lapps

The Sami are a culture who inhabit living the northern parts of Norway, northern Sweden, Finland as well as the Kola Peninsula of Russia & is most commonly known as Lappland. Sami are actually more commonly known as Lapps.
Their exact origins are a true mystery. Generally it is believed that the forefathers of these people were nomadic people who inhabited Finland for 1000s of years. Their language is also called Sami.

In the medieval times of the Scandic tribes called Vikings, the Sami were thought to be sorcerers & witches. They were known for their ability to heal the sick & injured and it was considered to turn them away from a Scandic or Norse holding. At times Sami men joined with a Norse group in trading ventures & were known to be excellent warriors. Infrequently Norsemen married Sami women. The famous Viking, Ragnar Bluetooth was the product of such a union.

The Sami language is actually comprised of a number of dialects. All of these dialects are mutually incomprehensible. The language is akin to the Finnsh language of Finland & Estonia but with major dialectic differences. About all that can be said is that Sami is a Fino-Ugrik language.

Reindeer, the ubiquitous caribou, is the backbone of Sami economy or was until very recently. Several centuries ago, full scale nomadism developed among the Sami. Now, today this nomadism is on its way to oblivion. Reindeer are herded from 1 place to another by only 1 member of the family. Other family members stay behind in modern housing. Each & every reindeer is individually owned, howevere all are herded together. Reindeer play a role not unlike that of a camel in a desert or the cattle of the Zulu & Masai in Africa. Sami thrive upon their milk, meat & use the skins & leather from these resilient deer. When the reindeer are slaughtered, even their intestines are consumed as they are a major source of many needed vitamins.

Sami have adapted to other professions than reindeer herding is this modern era. In the coastal areas fishing is now a primary occupation & farming & timbering are practiced in inland areas. Large numbers of Sami are involved in the tourism industry & their culture will survive as an identifiable & unique culture for this reason.

Countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland & Russia have periodically tried unsuccessfully to assimilate the Sami into their cultures. Sami language was prohibited in schools & in public life but it survived. In the last ½ the 20th century, the Sami language has experienced a renewal. Efforts have been made to popularize the language. In Norway, for instance, the use of the Sami language is now ordered & regulated by law.

The Sami are a tough, strong & resilient society shaped & tempered by a harsh environment combined with a unique & unforgiving landscape. Their history is one of strength along their ability to adapt to changing times that is truly to be admired by all.
 
Sources:

People of The Reindeer
By: Arne Thorgardson & Nels Olafson

The Lapp - Shepherds of the Reindeer
By: P Jerome Jayanth, May 5, 2001

Sami Herdsmen
By: Yuri D. Slovin, 1999 in Russian