Åarjelsaemien tsoevtsh – Sydsamiska snölegor

Abstract

Åarjelsaemien tsoevtsh – South Sámi snow patches: Reindeer (Rangifer Tarandus Tarandus) was the first ungulate to migrate into the Scandinavian peninsula after the great melt at the end of the last Ice Age. The people who followed soon after, were well aware of the reindeers’ behavior, as it was the animal they had hunted and depended upon for several thousands of years. In the Sámi herder culture, a wealth of knowledge about much of the reindeer's behavior, at various times of the year and in different situations is preserved. There is therefore every reason to try and include this knowledge when trying to understand past traditions and practices in connection with, for example hunting and herding reindeer in alpine areas. The results from the project show that there is still a rich and vibrant tradition of Sami use of these areas. The areas of snow and ice during the summer months are still important for both humans and reindeer. Sami knowledge is valuable for understanding how reindeer move in the landscape at different times depending on the weather, wind and insect conditions. This knowledge is equally valuable and useful to both reindeer herders and hunters of wild reindeer.