SámiBelt

I designed and made a new Sámi belt for myself. In the belt the symbolism and expression is more free and personal than in the Sámi costume. With the belt you can carry also something that express the things that are important to you. 

These heart figures are common around Finland but also around the Forest Sámi region. But expressed in the way like this in my Sámi belt, it comes from the roots of Him. So, with this belt I tell I am Sámi and married to Him who has roots also in the Southern Ostrobothnian culture and region. This red part is from His belt "helavyö". 

I love the sound it all makes when I walk. That sound chases away off the evil, bad and demons. That sound let me walk safe and sound wherever I go. Also, the shine and bright has the same meaning. Both elements, the sound and shine, fool the evil and hide me behind the dazzle and tinkle. Also, both elements capture the attention of all the danger so that myself will still be safe behind it all. That's how this belt creates safety, sanctuary and protection over me when I am wearing it where ever I go.

For the button of my new Sámi belt I used the other one of those two moose antler buttons I received as a gift from my father-in-law for my birthday on 2022.

In this pic you can see better the running triangle figure the eyelets form out. A triangle or running triangle is an universal geometric design. You can find it also in Forest Sámi decoration and symbolism. In Forest Sámi connection it can stand for the fells, northern lights, "kota" (a traditional house) or a snake.

In this case of my belt the running triangle represents the snake. The snake has opposite meaning in the shamanism than in the Christianity. First, the snakes are welcomed to live under the houses because they eat mice and rats that can spread many diseases. The snakes also represent transformation or ability to transform. When the snake is presented with a point or a hole it express that with the help of a snake noidi (female shaman) or shaman can travel between the worlds where people, gods and dead ones live. 

You can see this is not just a beautiful studded belt. It is not just an object. It has a bigger and greater cultural meaning. To me, as a Forest Sámi, this belt has very powerful meaning to keep me safe no matter in which world I am.