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Responsible shopping is appreciated worldwide! Traditional Sami handicrafts make for exquisite and unique gifts to bring home, as they have genuine cultural significance. Additionally, they are sustainable and crafted from natural materials, ranging from local wood to reindeer fur and leather.
Sami crafts hold significant symbolic value for the Sami identity. Each Sami region features distinctive designs and special characteristics. They are crafted by both Sami men and women, following handcraft traditions, and their coloring is based on natural colors. In the Northern Sami language, crafts are called "duodji." Traditional Sami soft handicrafts include textiles, beadwork, and more. They are high quality and offer great warmth, even in the cold Arctic. For instance, traditional Sami shoes are made of reindeer fur and provide warmth during the cold winter.
When shopping for authentic Sami handicrafts, it's important to know the key points. The sad truth is that the misuse and exploitation of various indigenous cultures is a daily struggle, one that's hard to control. The threat to authentic Sami handicrafts is real, as many travelers struggle to differentiate between cheap, machine-made replicas (often from China) and the real deal. Buying counterfeit Sami crafts not only shows a lack of respect for the Sami culture but also undermines the sustainability of local businesses.
The best option is to buy Sami crafts directly from the Sami people. You can visit Sami winter markets to find authentic Sami crafts. You can learn more about unique Sami festivals and markets in Lapland here. Another good tip is to look for authenticity tags, which help indigenous artists protect and maintain control over their artwork. When buying Sami crafts from stores, you can look for the Sami Duodji label, which guarantees genuine Sami handicrafts.
When you book your adventure with Visit Natives, you can purchase authentic handcrafted items from your Sami hosts. These items are made at home using skills passed down within the family. You may even see the materials they are made of and understand where your money is going. Alternatively, they can provide advice on where to purchase these items. Buying authentic Sami handicrafts will support the culture and heritage of the European Union's only indigenous people.
We are frequently asked why authentic crafts cost more. The answer is simple: Traditional Sami crafts are made sustainably from natural, high-quality products. Each item is meticulously crafted by hand, which takes time. For instance, creating beautiful and warm traditional Sami reindeer fur shoes is a time-consuming process. Every detail of the reindeer fur shoe serves a purpose and is adorned to indicate its origin. Ultimately, you are investing in a piece of indigenous art, which is a compelling reason to pay more.
