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Samekki

Samekki is a guarantee of high-quality craftsmanship. Each item is produced individually or in small batches. It is important to me that the product is beautiful, practical and long-lasting. In production, I carefully try to save both nature and material. Almost no waste is generated and it is carefully recycled.

- Sami Laiti

  • Maarit and Mikko Laiti

    Leinná Mihkku (Áslat Mihkku) was born in 1899 in Guoldná, Ohcejohka. Mikko had a small river estate, getting livelihood as a fisherman and craftsman. He made sledges, toboggans (geres), cradles (gietka), back strap looms (njuikun), wooden cups (guksi) and other vessels like bentwood butter boxes. He also made the necessary household items and often his own tools by himself. According to a story, decades ago, the Helsinki department store Stockmann wanted to order 500 butter boxes from Mikko. However, Mikko had to reject the order as it was too big.

    Andaras-Máret was born in 1910 in Rovisuvanto on Utsjoki. Besides being the veritable family matriarch, Maarit clothed her large family. She sewed coats, fur leggings (bittut) and fur shoes (goikkehat). She was also skilled with the back strap loom, weaving elaborate belts and laces for her family.

    Many of the family's children and grandchildren became involved in teaching or making traditional crafts.

  • Petteri Laiti

    (Áslat) Mihku Biehttár was born to the family of Maarit and Mikko in 1950. Silversmith Petteri had a long career in Sami handicrafts before retiring in 2015. Petteri's life work was recognized with a honorary doctorate in arts in the University of Lapland in 2019. Petteri's valuable collection has been exhibited in numerous countries around the world.

  • Sami Laiti

    Mihku Biehtár Sami-Ásllat was born in 1982 into a family of craftspeople. Mother is a master of arts, gemologist and goldsmith, and father Petteri is a Sámi Duodji pioneer in Finnish side Sápmi. Sami's childhood environment was saturated with handcrafts, and therefore it is no wonder that his parents' example became a profession.