CRADLE - Sami culture, northern region of Sweden, Norway and Finland, and the Kola Peninsula - 19th century

CRADLE
Sami culture, northern region of Sweden, Norway and Finland, and the Kola Peninsula
19th century
Wood, hide, nails, scraps of fabric
Total length: 78 cm
Length: 27.5 cm; Height: 31 cm

An oval-shaped cradle made from a hollowed-out wooden slab, fitted with leather panels to close it and cover the wooden hoop at the head. Remnants of red fabric held in place with nails.
The edges are punctuated by leather straps and a longer, wider shoulder strap.

These baby carriers are reminiscent of everyday objects passed down from generation to generation.

Bibliography:
A comparable example is illustrated in the photograph by Anders Beer Wilse held at the British Museum under the number Eu,B3.23.

Illustration: Nomadic Sami people, Northern Sweden, circa 1880. © unknown

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

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