INARI ROCKS

JEWELLERY ART

Njellim, Nellim, necklace, crystallised quartz, brass, metal

Papsuálui, Papinsaari, necklace, amethyst, brass, metal

Suáluičielgi, Saariselkä, necklace, rose quartz, brass, silk

Očamâš, Otsamo, necklace, milky quartz, brass, freshwater pearls, silk

Aanaarjuuhâ, River Inarijoki, necklace, teno onyx, brass, coral, silk

Avveeljuuhâ, River Ivalojoki, earrings, hematite, resin, silver

Aŋŋel, Angeli, belt, anorthosite, brass, aventurine, leather, tanned reindeer leather

Sigávuonâ, Sikovuono, belt, cordierite, brass, leather, tanned reindeer leather

Juvduujuuhâ, River Juutuanjoki, brooch, gneissic amphibolite, brass, silver

Truollaája, Kummitusoja Stream, brooch, moss agate, copper, silver

Lemmee, River Lemmenjoki, ring, garnet, resin

Mobergaajâ, Moberginoja Stream, ring, corundum, resin

In the series Inari Rocks I dug my home into the Earth’s crust only to return to the Earth’s surface bringing rock solid gifts. The artistic jewellery shown in the pioneering Sámi jewellery art exhibition Inari Rocks uses the versatile rock types occurring in the Inari region that have not been utilised before. The jewellery in this series is named after the place where the stone was found.

“My attitude towards rock as a material is one of great respect, and I never tolerate rock abuse. For instance, if a spot rich in rock deposits is found, I cannot accept that all rock material is taken away from this site. In my opinion this is discourteous to the site and the rock itself, as these belong together. Whenever I gather a material that can replenish, I always ask for permission to take some. I only gather these materials in order to publicise its existence, beauty and God’s unbelievable power of creation.”

With my jewellery, I reflect on the changes in values of the Sámi peoples that have come with civilisation. Unique rock jewellery holds within ancient information about generations gone by.

“I associate stories with rocks, the lifetime of which is much longer than that of humans. The rocks have remained unchanged throughout the course of Sámi history and witnessed the continuation of the generations.”

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