Sámi Stories: Art and Identity of an Arctic People

On view May 6, 2016 — Oct 2, 2016

This landmark exhibition presents an overview of Sámi history and visual culture from the 17th century to the present. The Sámi are the Indigenous people living in Norway, Sweden, Finland and the Kola Peninsula in Russia.

Sámi Stories features a selection of contemporary artworks and traditional duodji (handicraft) − including a reindeer milk scoop, shaman’s drum, cradle, and a selection of hats and dolls. Central themes are citizenship, identity and community belonging.

The exhibition is organized by Northern Norway Art Museum, Tromsø University Museum and the Anchorage Museum.

Illuminating works by contemporary Sámi artists reveal the dichotomy that exists between the Sámi and the Indigenous peoples of the U.S. and Canada, as well as the similarities shared by these Northern Native peoples.