The staircase

We have intended to make the staircase a movement from the high mountains and down to a fjord.

The staircase

The staircase:

We have intended to make the staircase a movement from the high mountains and down to a fjord. On your way down you can see some of the resources that have been important for the Sami of the area – some of which are still being harvested.

 

Upper left:

Sorrelgrass, nutrient supplement and delicacy food. Commonly eaten on while hiking, or harvested.

 

Upper right:

Sacrifice to the sacred "gods" (primordial mothers/beings), on sacrificial grounds. Commonly sacrificed bones, coins and otherwise items you “want” but don’t “need”.

 

Second down, left:

Sedge grass. Commonly used to reinforce shoes, and sometimes worn as socks. To keep feet waterproof and warm. Every farm had a place to harvest them.

 

Second down, right:

Mulberries, very popular among sami, often referred to as “our goldmine”. No matter what condition one was in, you went to harvest it.

 

Third down, left: 

Sami believed moderation was key. Overfish, and the primordial mother of fishing would devour you.

 

Third down, right:

If everything failed, one could always head into the woods and harvest timber. A crucial part of Samis income.

 

Bottom left:

Grouse hunting was a common past time, and a lifestyle which many enjoyed. And showed itself early in the spring.

 

Bottom right:

Sheep was common Sami aswell as Norwegain farms. For the winter, you would find food for the sheep in the hills, aswell as seaweed.