The Saami: A Cultural Encyclopaedia

The Saami: A Cultural Encyclopaedia is a modern reference work about the Saami, a northern indigenous people living in Finland, Norway, Sweden and Russia. It is the outcome of a project launched and coordinated by the Saami Studies Working Group of the University of Helsinki.

In general and specialised articles, the encyclopaedia presents not only the languages, history, mythology, folklore, music, economy, livelihoods and media of the Saami, but also the indigenous peoples' movement, human rights questions, education, art, social conditions, and so on. The nature and environment of Sápmi (Saamiland) are also dealt with as important background factors. Words and concepts that are characteristic of Saami culture are defined, and the etymologies of many Saami words are discussed. The work is illustrated with numerous photographs and maps.

Particular emphasis has been given to information about minority groups within the Saami people, such as the Saami of the Kola Peninsula and the Inari and Skolt Saami, who had previously been largely ignored by mainstream Saami Studies.

ISBN: 9789517465069
Author: Ulla-Maija Kulonen, Irja Seurujärvi-Kari and Risto Pulkkinen (eds)
Language: English
Publisher: Finnish Literature Society
Edition: 2005, softcover, 498 pgs

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