Handicraft    

The reindeer has kept the north populated and warm through the ages. Although times have changed, the relationship between people and reindeer has remained the same. For the people of the North, the reindeer has never been simply an animal but rather a whole world, a way of life, and a subject for thought. The life of a Laplander revolves around this arctic animal and its value cannot be measured simply from an economic point of view. The reindeer is a northern material whose utilisation has long traditions.

Alongside its material significance, one can call to mind a time before machines, when the reindeer was used as a mode of transport. At the same time as the reindeer provided the family with bread, it was used to make different items, clothes, and reindeer tending equipment. The reindeer is used in a variety of ways and nothing really is left unused. According to old tales, even the spirit of a reindeer is carried on the wind, guiding the people of Lapland. It is difficult to find any other animal whose utilisation has extended to such wide and advantageous applications.

Different Types of Reindeer Handicrafts

part from meat, the reindeer is a recognised handicraft material with ever increasing new applications. Reindeer handicrafts are products made using traditional methods or made by hand. The products are either traditional in style and shape or completely new ones with up-to-date designs. They are characteristically functional. Raw materials from reindeer fall into two categories: hard and soft. The soft materials, reindeer skins, are mainly used for making different useful items and clothes. The hard materials are the antlers and bones. Souvenirs, such as key rings and trolls, are a separate group of small items. The ever-increasing use of the raw materials from reindeer as part of or the main material in clothing, textiles, and works of art is significant. Mention can also be made of the many contexts in which the reindeer has been the subject of, or inspiration for, an artist's creativity. All the product groups try to bring out a feeling of the north and the uniqueness of the material.

1 Reindeer Skin
There are two main types of reindeer skin work: fur work and leather work. The skins can be treated by hand or by using industrial methods. Small items, such as bags, or coffee and sugar pouches are made in the traditional way from leather tanned by hand. Useful items, such as mittens, shoes, and hats get their shapes from the skin of the reindeer's leg. Coats and traditional jackets are made from the skins of reindeer slaughtered in the autumn. Other garments and more modern products are usually made from industrially treated reindeer skins.

The reindeer is at its best in the autumn and the skins are saved then and in the winter, during the slaughtering season. Reindeer are not slaughtered for their handicraft materials but for their meat. After meat production, an unbelievable amount of handicraft materials become available, so there is little controversy over the use of reindeer skin for different purposes. There is no need to fear the reactions of animal protectionists because the reindeer is slaughtered primarily for its meat.  Learn More >>

2 Bones and Antlers
Bone and antler form the hard part of products made from reindeer material. The use of these hard materials is an indication of the reindeer herders' skills in using parts of the reindeer efficiently and purposefully. The development and making of products is based on the fact that items were needed for everyday use. Working with this material demands an exacting knowledge of antlers and bones, so the maker knows the suitability of the material for different products. Working with hard materials has traditionally been the domain of men.  Learn More >>

3 Reindeer Hoof-Tip Jewerly
Collecting reindeer hoof tips for making jewellery is still a relatively new idea. A reindeer hoof tip is still soft at the working stage so it can be made into different shapes. When it dries, it hardens and the shape becomes permanent. It can be finished off by rubbing and this gives it a beautiful shine. Hoof tips come in different shades of black and grey; white is quite rare. They can be used to make buttons, and for decorating or making parts for different products. The small bones from a reindeer's foot or from inside a hoof are excellent for different games and for children to play with.

4 Reindeer Droppings
Selling dried reindeer droppings in a bag to nourish flowers is a new idea. This latest reindeer product is being developed and it is an idea worth considering, as the droppings are a good source of nourishment for flowers. There are also sweets called reindeer droppings - they taste of liquorice and are packed in plastic containers. These sweets are an indication of how the reindeer is used to create an image for a product and a way of marketing.

Source courtesy of: http://www.paliskunnat.fi/default.aspx?kieli=en-US