The reapproach is about becoming familiar with pewterthread ornamented duodjiitems, collected from the northern Sami area during the 19th century, to European museums.
We may call the process a rematriation of spinning the spindle, again make a thread with reindeersinew and metals. Again ornament, on hide, what once was, yet in the age of tomorrow.
The research aims to unlock what the gathering and preparing of materials and the making reveal of relations; of ethics; of stories; of valuable knowledge. It explores the ability of reindeersinew, copperfilaments from damaged electronical devices and botanical printed reindeerhide as materials, as sources for thinking, to raise awareness.
1. Sara Inga Utsi Bongo
PhD Duodji/Arts and Crafts, started in 2023.
I am a lecturer and practitioner within the field of duodji, narrowly described as crafting methods inherited by the Sami people. I prepare and make duodji of hide and fur from reindeer. I also work with textiles, yarn and other materials related to duodji. In these processes I highlight ethical and aesthetical values and ideas, and strive to maintain, develop and transfer traditional knowledge. Inspiration is acquired from land, the reindeer herding lifestyle and the rich and adaptable duodji traditions.
I hold a MA in duodji from the Sami University of Applied Sciences, a certificate of apprenticeship in the field of leather and fur duodji and have practical pedagogical education.
In this presentation I will show some methods I plan to proceed in order to display the results of my project. What methods and work processes are the right ones for the research project to evolve towards the final results and the dissertation? In profession I am a duojár (crafter), but what other techniques/methods than crafting could suit me as a person and benefit in displaying the results of the project?
This presentation will explain how my PhD project is placed in the field of duodji and how it can contribute to the development in research within the field. Reflections on the layers of issues this project is about to result in and ideas with possible cross-national relevance are shed light on. Ongoing and planned artistic processes will be presented.