Quote:
Originally Posted by Jim McDougall
These are remarkable knives, and easy to see how they can become pretty addicting. One thing that puzzles me is the lack of interest in identifying them or finding historic examples that might show more period or regional images.
With my example, the only cursory reference in the book shown here suggests it is Sami of course, but from Lapland, presumably due to emphasis of reindeer in the motif often seen on them. The scabbards are presumably of carved reindeer horn or bone.
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The lack might be explained by the fact that the Sami, one of the oldest cultures in Europe (even the Romans did mention them), sadly have been surpressed and discriminated against for a long time...till the late 80ies actually. Even although they are a very kind people with great hospitality