"Two People Dressed in Fur"

"Two People Dressed in Fur"

This Sami couple is portrayed wearing the traditional "gatki" a garment usually made of reindeer hide, characterized by one dominant color with alternating colored bands running the length of the garment. The gatki holds a significant position in Sami culture linked to the traditional occupation of reindeer herding, with each garment being unique to the wearer. A person's gatki can reveal a wealth of information about the wearer, including birthplace and marital status. Although the use of reindeer hide has been superseded today by wool, cotton, or silk, this traditional garment remains intrinsically linked with Sami cultural identity.

Schjetne, a Danish Photographer

Gift from Mr. F.H. Brown

1887

Curated by Robert Peacock

Hand-colored photograph

Danish

Image

1948.30.66

Denmark