Friday, June 23, 2023

Hege Nilsen, Sámi duojár from Kåfjord, Norway

 

 

Vesterheim Musuem in Decorah, Iowa, recently posted this online presentation by Hege Nilsen, an engaging and eloquent Sámi duojár from Kåfjord, Norway. Hege Nilsen is a paramedic in Tromsø and a skilled craftswoman. Her descriptions and photos of how she skins, tans, and softens reindeer hide takes place against a background of chilly mountains and fjords in Western Finnmark.

But even more memorable are Nilsen's remarks about the years of language loss and Norwegianization in that part of Norway. Duodji is one important way of re-engaging with Sámi history and making community. I really enjoyed watching this!

 Exploring Coastal Sámi Handcraft with Hege Nilsen

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