The folk costume has always been a significant national symbol that conveys a message of unity. It belongs to the splendid cultural heritage of a nation and reflects its customs, traditions, and even climate conditions. A traditional costume of each folk is a noteworthy object of study that requires thorough examination. The Sámi are indigenous people inhabiting the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, and Finland, as well as the Kola Peninsula in northwestern Russia. The subarctic climate and tundra territories forced the Sami to choose warm and dense cloths. Their clothing also had to be comfortable while working, particularly while herding reindeer.

In the 17th to 18th centuries, the main material for clothing included skins of sea animals, bears, and deer. Colored suede, heavy felt, and pelts were used for trimming. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Sami began using purchased fabrics such as chintz, sackcloth, velvet, and silk, and also sheep wool for knitting socks, gloves, or belts. By this time Sami's traditional costume had already been greatly altered under the influence of northern Russian and European clothing.

For more specialized information, please download our Webzine SILKROADIA VOL.3 NO.1, and read ‘Saami-wear Traditional Costume’ written by Darya Panova, a 2nd-year student at Translating and Interpreting Department in Moscow State Linguistic University Moscow, Russia.