Wild Ground and life on the Farm
Traditional Sami farm life was characterized by balance and the efficient use of all available natural resources. Nearly everything found in the surrounding environment had a practical function.
Ferns and sedge leaves were gathered not only as fodder for livestock, but also for use as insulation and material in everyday life. A significant portion of food came from foraging and harvesting wild plants — a practice rooted not only in tradition but in necessity.
The forest offered more than just firewood. It provided timber for tools, buildings, and supplementary income. This relationship with the forest remains relevant today, as many continue to collect materials for woodworking from nearby woodlands and mountain areas.
Cloudberries held particular value, historically serving as a source of income due to their rarity and high nutritional content. Today, they are still harvested, though primarily for personal use — regarded as a seasonal delicacy and a symbol of summer in the north.
Daily life on the farm required constant attention. Tasks were numerous, and livestock needed daily care. Some households kept reindeer, goats, or cattle, and some required milking.
Milk was processed into cheese; wool was transformed into boot ribbons, bedding, and sails for boats. Repairs and crafting were a constant part of the routine, whether maintaining horse harnesses in the past or modern farm equipment such as tractors today.
Farming life, both historically and in contemporary contexts, is marked by ingenuity, seasonal rhythm, and a deep, ongoing connection to land, animals, and the natural cycles of the year.
