The Lappishumi house is a traditional dwelling of the indigenous Sami people of northern Scandinavia, also known as Laplanders.
These houses were designed to withstand the harsh arctic climate, providing warmth and shelter for the Sami people during the long, dark winters. In the Finnish polar circle, the Lappishumi house is still a common sight, serving as a reminder of the Sami people's unique culture and way of life.
The Lappishumi house is a round or oval-shaped structure, typically built with wooden frames and covered with turf or sod. The walls are often made of logs stacked horizontally and then covered with a layer of moss or turf. The roof is also made of turf or sod, with a slight slope to allow rain and snow to slide off. The door and windows are usually small to minimize heat loss and may be covered with animal skins or cloth to provide extra insulation.
The Sami people have a long and rich history, with a culture that revolves around their herding and hunting traditions. The Lappishumi house is an integral part of this culture, providing shelter and warmth during the cold winter months. The Sami people often live in small, tight-knit communities, where they share resources and help each other with daily tasks.
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Inside the Lappishumi house, the Sami people would cook and eat meals together, often using traditional methods like roasting reindeer meat over an open fire. They would also tell stories, sing songs, and play games to pass the time. During the day, the men would go out to hunt or tend to their reindeer herds, while the women would stay at home to weave and sew clothing and other household items.
In the summer, the Sami people would often move their herds to higher ground, where the grazing was better. They would set up temporary campsites, using traditional tents made of reindeer hides or canvas. These campsites would often include a central fireplace, where the Sami people could cook and gather around in the evenings.
Today, the Sami people still maintain many of their traditional ways of life, including the use of Lappishumi houses. However, modern technology and infrastructure have also made their way into Sami communities, providing access to electricity, running water, and other amenities. Despite these changes, the Sami people remain deeply connected to their cultural heritage and continue to celebrate their traditions and customs.
The Lappishumi house is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Sami people, who have adapted to the harsh arctic climate for centuries. These houses provide a warm and cozy refuge from the cold and serve as a symbol of the Sami people's unique culture and way of life. In the Finnish polar circle, the Lappishumi house remains an important part of the landscape, serving as a reminder of the rich history and traditions of the Sami people.
