Recently Discovered Gievrie1 (South-Saami Shaman Drums) – Contexts, Meanings and Narratives

Abstract

In the circumpolar area of the Northern Arctic shamanism and use of drums are strongly connected. Recently, three South-Saami shaman drums were discovered in Norway, in the mountains in Helgeland and Nord-Trøndelag. These drums together with their accessories were analysed and the meanings of the drums and their symbols were interpreted. The ways other shaman drums arrived in Norwegian museums were traced. The contexts of the drums are discussed, especially how and when they were used. The role of the drums as important ethnic markers is discussed as well as the consequences for the drums in the time of the activity in Norway by the Danish College of Missions in the beginning of the 18th century. The background aim for the Saami mission is also illustrated. How the use of drums has been understood by the missionaries and earlier authors is discussed with the basis in their narratives. The fact that the narratives, also younger narratives, almost always are written down by others than those who used the drum is stressed. Some remarks are given in an archaeological light to the question of when the use of drums started in the north of Scandinavia.