Norwegian Sámi photographer Fred Ivar Utsi Klemetsen’s photo essay “FROST” documents the life of those who still herd their reindeer the traditional way. The following is a selection of the photos from the exhibit which has been touring the U.S.
10/18/2005 ::
JOHAN ANTE
Lassoes carve intricate patterns in the cold air, before falling to the snowy ground. The rope falls around the neck of a young calf. Johan Ante Bær wrestles the animal to the ground and marks the calf’s ear. Reindeer owners often keep their animals together in large herds. New calves have to be identified and branded by their owners. The calves are removed from the herd and released into an area with female deer. The calves search out their mothers, and the herders learn which calves belong to them.
MAGERØYA
Spring migration. The reindeer are moved from the tundra to their summer pastures. Reindeer are good swimmers, but are often weakened by the long, hard winter. Military vessels assist them across the cold spring waters to the islands off the coast of Finnmark. Strong from a long summer of grazing, the reindeer swim unassisted the nearly seven miles long stretch for the return migration in late fall.
ANNA AND PER ANDERS
Anna K. Sokki and Per Anders Buljo received 35 reindeer as wedding gifts. 1500 people were invited to their Easter wedding in 2003.
KAREN SOMBY
Karen Somby has skied into the herd, thrown her lasso, and caught a reindeer that is going to be examined. Her clothing is made from reindeer hides. Karen makes all the clothing for her family.
INGA
The photo is deceiving: This is not a wolf, and Inga Kemi is not a poor woman. She lived well in an ordi-nary house in Karasjok until passing away in 1997. The photo was taken during the spring migration in 1992. Inga was fetching water from the stream for cooking. Her traditional footwear is called Komager. Made of otter hides, they are used during spring due to their water-resistant qualities, but rarely worn by the younger generations.
INGA
I often saw Inga like this. She could quietly gaze out the window for several minutes. I could sometimes almost see her life through her wrinkles.
CONFIRMATION
Religion is important to many Sámi. Many converted from traditional beliefs during the revival in Sápmi in the late 1800s. This photo was taken at a Lutheran religious confirmation ceremony in 2003. The blue costume is from Karasjok, the others are from Kautokeino.
MATHIS NILS EIRA
Mathis Nils Eira is a serious ”reindeer racer.” Using a sled or skis, the contestant is pulled by the reindeer, racing around a track.
DAVID SARA
David Sara with a traditional hat from Karasjok.
FINNMARKSVIDDA
The reindeer are moved from winter pasture on Finnmarksvidda every spring to allow for the plains to rest and recover before the animals return next fall. This photo is from the spring migration in 1995. We were sitting in the warm lavvu in very thin clothing. I peaked outside where the frost was "biting," seeing the reindeer running into the sunset and toward the main herd. I had no time to dress, but started the snowscooter and drove towards the sunset in –4 degrees Fahrenheit. I managed to take four or five shots before the camera battery died...just like my fingers almost did. But the picture was worth it.