Sami Peoples of the North: A Social and Cultural History

The first comprehensive history of the Sami people of the Nordic countries and northwestern Russia.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 27 December 2018
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

The Sami people of the Nordic countries and northwestern Russia have a rich and complex history that has been largely overlooked in mainstream historical narratives. This comprehensive history, written by Neil Kent, seeks to fill the gap by providing a comprehensive social and cultural account of the Sami people from these regions.

The book begins by exploring the definition of the Sami homeland, including its geography, climate, and early contact with other peoples. Kent then delves into the early chronicles of the Sami people, highlighting the onset of colonization that profoundly impacted their lives over the last millennium. The nature of Sami ethnicity is examined in the context of the peoples among whom they lived, as well as the growing intrusions of the states that claimed sovereignty over them.

The Soviet gulag, the Lapland War, and increasing urbanization all played significant roles in shaping Sami life during the twentieth century. Religion, too, played an important role, from the pre-historic pantheon of gods and sacred sites to their Christianization in the late nineteenth century. In the late twentieth century, there has been a growing symbiosis of ancient Sami spiritual practice with Christianity.

Recently, the intrusions of the logging and nuclear industries, as well as tourism, have come to redefine Sami society and culture. Even the definition of who exactly a Sami is is being scrutinized, as some intermarry and yet return to Sapmi, where their children maintain their Sami identity.

This book is a valuable contribution to the study of the Sami people and their history, providing a comprehensive and nuanced account of their social, cultural, and political experiences. It is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of indigenous peoples and their relationship with the broader society.

Weight: 438g
Dimension: 138 x 216 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787380318