Envision the harsh, yet beautiful landscape of northern Sweden above the arctic circle, sometimes referred to as the land of the midnight sun and the northern lights. This country is Sapmi the home for the Saami, the indigenous people of the arctic. From ancient times the reindeer has been central to the lives of the Saami, providing them with food, raw materials for clothing, shelter and tools.
The pewter thread was used by the Saami ever since the 16 th century. A piece of antler with holes was used to pull the pewter through until the right thickness was found and then spun around raw sinew to create the final coil. Beautiful and delicate embellishments were sewn by hand on their clothing and leather items such as pouches and belts.
Reindeer antler have long been fashioned into utilitarian items such as knives, spoons, buttons and other small objects, beautifully decorated with intricate geometric designs. It is important to the Saami that the things they create is not only useful but aesthetically pleasing as well. Anything made with loving care and attention is called duoddji in the Saami language.