Máttaráhku ládjogahpir – Foremother´s Hat of Pride
47 eanemus ohccojuvvon máttaráhkut/The 47 Most Wanted Foremothers, 2019. Photo: Sang Tae Kim
The Ládjogahpir—The Foremothers´ Hat of Pride, an interdisciplinary project by Finnish archaeologist Eeva-Kristiina Harlin and by Sámi artist Outi Pieski. The project investigates the complex history and legacy of the ládjogahpir, the Sámi woman´s headgear. In a collaboration between historical and archaeological research, social activism and craftivism, including the revitalising of duodji, Sámi crafting traditions, and artistic practices, this project both writes and visualizes the dramatic events surrounding the hat’s history, including its demise, and its – spectacular – reappearance. The inventive and thorough research of Harlin and Pieski has led them to archives, collections and libraries across Europe, resulting in the book’s remarkable inventory and visual history of all known ládjogahpirs. The project has also involved organizing encounters with Sámi women of today who have shared with them duodji skills, values, ideas and dreams, participating in the ládjogahpir revival.
Book: The Ládjogahpir—The Foremothers´ Hat of Pride published by Davvi Girji will be out in March 2020. The book is edited by art historian Jan-Erik Lundström, mainly translated by Ritva Torikka and the Graphic Design is by Erno Karjalainen from Govus.
Ládjogahpir rematrieren—Máhccat eatni lusa/Rematriation of a Ládjogahpir—Return to Máttaráhkká, 2019, installašuvdna detálja—govvakolláša/installation detail—photo collage, 100 x 100 cm. Ovttasbargu Birit Haarlain/collaboration with Birit Haarla.
Ládjogahpir rematrieren—Máhccat eatni lusa/Rematriation of a Ládjogahpir—Return to Máttaráhkká, 2019, installašuvdna detálja—govvakolláša/installation detail—photo collage, 87,5 x 80 cm. Ovttasbargu Katja Haarlain/collaboration with Katja Haarla.
Ládjogahpir rematrieren—Máhccat eatni lusa/Rematriation of a Ládjogahpir—Return to Máttaráhkká, 2019, installašuvdna detálja—govvakolláša/installation detail—photo collage, 100 x 130 cm. Ovttasbargu Birit Haarlain/collaboration with Birit Haarla.
Subjeavttat dutkamuša vuolde/Subjects of Research, 2019, 16 luvvejuvvon gova/16 photographs unmounted, 150 x 200cm.Máhccat eatni lusa I/Return to Máttaráhkká I, 2019, seahkalas teknihka/mixed media, 25 x 20 x 20 cm.
Alážis / At the Top 2018, lithography, 68 x 54 cm, 10 edition, printed by Tamarind Institute, New Mexico photos: Ari Karttunen / EMMA
Gahpiraš / Sweet Hat Mountain 2018, lithography, 68 x 54 cm, 10 edition, printed by Tamarind Institute, New Mexico photos: Ari Karttunen / EMMA
Čáppa muđot Áilegas / Sweet-faced Mountain Nuvvos Áilegas 2018, lithography, 68 x 54 cm, 10 edition, printed by Tamarind Institute, New Mexico, photo: Mika Friman
Golbma oabbaža / Three Sisters 2018, lithography, 68 x 54 cm, 10 edition, printed by Tamarind Institute, New Mexico, photo: Mika Friman
Made by anonymous / Foremothers horn hat A Sámi horn hat from Dálvadas village, Utsjoki. Purchased in 1902 by Theodor Schvindt from Gádjá-Nillá (Nils Vuolab) and his sister Gádjá-Máret (Marith Rasmus, née Vuolab, former Pieski). The horn hat was probably used by Outi Pieski´s foremother Golle Gáddjá (Kajsa Josefsdatter Poini) 1817–. The National Museum of Finland, Antell Collection photo: Ari Karttunen / EMMA
Outi Pieski. Cuolmmadit. EMMA 12.9.2018 – 6.1.2019. Photos: Ari Karttunen / EMMA