From Lapland to Sápmi by Barbara Sjoholm – A Cultural History Through Sámi Artifacts

From Lapland to Sápmi by Barbara Sjoholm – A Cultural History Through Sámi Artifacts

Exploring Sámi Identity, Craft, and Reclamation Across Nordic Borders

Description
From Lapland to Sápmi offers a compelling cultural history of the Indigenous Sámi people through the lens of material objects—tools, garments, ceremonial items, and everyday artifacts. Spanning Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, Barbara Sjoholm traces the journey of Sámi creations from their origins in Sápmi to their collection and display in museums and private holdings across Europe. The book documents how these objects were acquired—often removed—and how their meanings have evolved, culminating in a contemporary renaissance of Sámi culture and the return of heritage items to their homeland.

Through richly illustrated pages and deft narrative, Sjoholm reveals the layered history of Sámi creativity, resilience, and agency. This work is both a scholarly study and a deeply human story of cultural survival and reclamation.

Features

• Cultural Focus: Sámi material culture, history, and cross-border identity
• Historical Scope: 17th century to present-day repatriation and revival
• Illustrations: 74 black-and-white images and 20 color plates
• Author Expertise: Barbara Sjoholm—translator, editor, and author of Nordic literary and ethnographic works
• Themes: Indigenous heritage, museum ethics, Nordic history, Sámi craft and agency

Specifications

• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 352
• Dimensions: 7" × 7"
• ISBN: 978-1-5179-1197-3
• Publisher: University of Minnesota Press

Author Note
Barbara Sjoholm is known for her work translating and interpreting Nordic literature and Sámi folklore. Her previous titles include By the Fire: Sami Folktales and Legends and Black Fox: A Life of Emilie Demant Hatt, both of which explore Sámi voices and perspectives.

Endorsement
"Barbara Sjoholm's new book takes you on a remarkable journey. This is a story with important ramifications for the world today." —Samuel J. Redman, author of The Museum: A Short History of Crisis and Resilience

Use Case
Ideal for readers interested in Indigenous studies, museum history, Nordic culture, and the ethics of cultural preservation and return. A valuable resource for educators, curators, and anyone seeking to understand the enduring legacy of Sámi craftsmanship and identity.