Hans-Jacob Samuelsen (b. 1932), from Alta in Finnmark, began his arts and crafts production in the 1960s. His intent was to create quality souvenirs from Finnmark.
Photo: Astrid Husvik Skancke/The Museum of Reconstruction
The souvenirs are made from reindeer antler and legbone, and decorated with patterns through a technique called kolrosing. Samuelsen is a recognized authority with regards to this technique. Kolrosing entails carving a pattern into the material with a knife. A mixture of ashes and animal grease is rubbed into the carvings.
The pattern is based on ancient Northern Sami ornament traditions and originates in the Kautokeino and Karasjok areas of Finnmark.
Alta – 69° North
