These belts are excellent examples of the way a Sami man displayed some of his wealth. The silver was cast in smaller pieces that were fastened to their belts. This way it was easy for the owner to remove only as much as he needed for a particular purchase. Of course the reindeer were the basis of all wealth, but the herd could be wiped out during a bad winter or from illness, while silver retained its’ value over time..
The women had their own wealth – displayed on the “kolts” and kerchiefs.
Clasps and buttons, chains and pendants could tell a lot about how well off a woman and her family was.
Have started the final count-down. Today was the last Monday before I leave… Tomorrow is…. the first day of four with meetings and appointments stacked on top of each other.
Back in the days when I worked as an accountant, we used to talk about those Fridays when our clients decided to clean their desk and rang us about all the lost receipts and sundry items they came across. Well, working for the county means that the entire month of December resembles those Fridays. Suddenly all those meetings and negotiations they didn’t get around to earlier on in the year simply. have. to. take. place. NOW.
