Gendered Sámi Childhoods: Traditions in the Lule Sámi Region 1100–1950

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to elucidate how Sámi people in traditional society brought up their children and how traditional knowledge was transferred. The question of how children gained independence is also raised and the differences involved with the upbringing of girls and boys is explored. Source material from archaeology, history and anthropology are used as well as two Sámi novels from the early 1900s which document traditional Sámi life. The theoretical framework is elucidated, and traditional Sámi socio-cultural institutions are included as background information. Changes have occurred in religious life due to missionary work in the 1700s and in the middle of the 1800s. Elements of traditional Sámi religion have survived in connection with childbirth and naming, but puberty is sparsely documented. Sámi children have traditionally been brought up to be independent and to participate in adult activities. A strict division of labour between females and males is expressed in traditional Sámi handicraft; duodje. The transfer of gender-based knowledge dates back to the Middle Ages.