Gákti is the Northern Sámi word used by non-Sámi speakers to refer to many different types of traditionalclothing worn by theSámi in northern areas ofNorway,Sweden,Finland and theKola Peninsula inRussia. The gákti is worn both inceremonial contexts and while working, particularly when herdingreindeer.[citation needed] The traditional Sami outfit is characterized by a dominant color adorned with bands of contrasting colours,plaits,pewter embroidery,tin art, and often a highcollar.[citation needed]
The colours, patterns and decorations of the costume can signify a person's marital status and geographical origin. There are different gákti for women and men; men's gáktis are shorter at the hem than women's. Traditionally the gákti was made from reindeer skin, but in modern times, wool, cotton or silk are more common. The gákti can be worn with a belt (pleated, quilted or with silver buttons), silver jewellery, traditional leather footwear and a silk scarf. Traditionally, if the buttons on the belt are square, it shows the wearer is married. If they are round, the person is unmarried.
"Gákti" is theNorthern Sámi term for the clothing. The following terms in other Sami languages do not refer to the Northern Sami gákti, but to their own clothing:
The Finnish tourist industry is notorious for displaying fake "Sámi" culture for tourists in order to make a profit.[editorializing] EthnicFinns dress up in fake "gáktis" and perform fake "traditional rituals". This activity has been met with criticism[5] both from the Sámi since it creates a false image of and appropriates Sámi culture, diverts tourist industry money from ethnic Sámi to ethnic Finns (therebyexploiting the Sámi andSápmi, land the Sámi are native to, without giving anything back) and is dishonest towards tourists.
Media related toSami clothing at Wikimedia Commons