About sami symbols |
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NOAIDI The Sami shamans were in direct contact with the gods. An indicator made of antler or metal was placed on top of the drum. The Noaidi beat the drum with a hammer made of antler. The indicator’s movements across the skin of the drum were interpreted and foretold the future. It was possible to find out how things were in other places, learn about health and sickness, and to which gods one should make offerings. |
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SAMI DRUM SYMBOLS In the 1600s many drums were burned by the Christians. Today there remain about 70 drums spread over Europe. The spiritual power of the drum has by no means been diminished. We handle a drum with respect. The figures on the drum show the world in which we move. We find the most important animals represented here: the reindeer, the bear, and the moose. Humans, gods, and goddesses hold the central position. The figures also depict the foreign religion which was beginning to impose itself. Churches and houses bear witness to the time of conversion that many lived through. Click on the drum to view a larger image. |
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THE GODS The god of death, Rota, is depicted riding a horse. The horse was for the Sami a frightening and disgusting beast. Rota had his realm deep down in the underworld, that was Jabmeaimo, realm of the dead. The Ahkkas were the women’s and children’s goddesses. The highest of the goddesses was Máttaráhkká, the original mother. She had three daughters: Sáráhkká, Uksáhkká, and Juoksáhkká. Sáráhkká helped with giving birth and was the Sami’s most beloved goddess. Uksáhkká guarded the home and saw to the children. Juoksáhkká could change the sex of a baby in the womb from female to male. She was the boys’ goddess. In the middle of the drum is the symbol for the Beivve, the sun god. The sun played a central role in the life of the Sami. The fertility god was named Veraldenolmai. To him was offered the sexual organ of a reindeer. The thunder god was called Toragalles. He also appears to have been a minor fertility god. Bieggolmai, the wind god, holds two shovels. With these he can push the wind over the mountain. He can even make storms and bad weather. |
| Sources: Samisk Folktro, Elin Svonni. -- Trumtid, Anna Westman, John E. Utsi |
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Interpretation of Sami Symbols |
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SÁRÁHKKÁ Helps women with childbirth. Goddess of protection for women and children. |
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VERALDEN OLMMÁI The highest god figure. Fertility god who gives the soul to the child in the womb. |
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UKSÁHKKÁ Guards those leaving or entering the Sami dwelling. |
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BIRD |
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JOUKSÁHKKÁ Watches over the child as it grows. |
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LÁVVO Sami teepee. |
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NOAIDI The Shaman |
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LEAIBEOLMMÁI Hunting and forest god. |
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BIEGGAOLMMÁI God of wind. Holds two shovels, one in each hand, with which he calls forth storms. |
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THORAGALLES Thunder god. |
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THE MOON In its various phases. |
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NOAIDI’S DRUM |
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REINDEER ANTLER Or sacrificial animal. |
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WOLF |
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THE HUNTER Or the god of hunting. |
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PASSE Sacred place and altar for offerings. |
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CROSS OF THE SUN From a South Sami drum. |
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