Duoji máttut – Vætnoen maadtoe – Duoje máddoinformation. With Tomas Magnusson and Julia Rensberg

The Luleå Biennial is collaborating with Sameslöjdsstiftelsen Sámi Doudji on an exhibition that seeks to acknowledge duodji objects in themselves, as well as the ways that traditional Sami crafts relate to specific landscapes and contexts.

The exhibition Duoji máttut – Vætnoen maadtoe – Duoje máddoinformation at Sameslöjdstiftelsen Sámi Duodji was produced in collaboration with Tomas Magnusson and Julia Rensberg. Here, the objects are shown along with accounts of the processes through which they are created, which largely revolve around making use of the materials nature provides and the knowledge required to shape them. The exhibition has been designed to communicate a knowledge that, although held by many in Sami society, is far less common in other groups.

In the film, that can be viewed below, we follow the making process of Tomas Magnusson and Julia Rensberg.

Sameslöjdstiftelsen Sámi Duodji was founded in 1993 by Svenska Samernas Riksförbund and the Same Ätnam national organisation. They work all over Sweden, and prioritise finding the best ways to preserve duodji, as well as providing knowledge of and helping develop the Sami cultural heritage.

Tomas Magnusson is based in Mörsil, where he works as a Sami craftsman. He creates objects inspired by South Sami traditions out of wood, horn, and hides. He trained at the Sami education centre in Jokkmokk from 1998 to 2000.

Julia Rensberg is from the Southern Sámi Ruvthen Sijte, and grew up in Mora. Today, she lives and keeps a workshop outside of Jokkmokk. She studied at Samernas utbildningscentrum (the Sami education centre) between 2017 and 2019. She is involved in a broad set of issues related to the rights of indigenous peoples and climate justice.

The film is produced by Juhán Niila Stålka/ Sámi Duodji Sameslöjdstiftelsen.