Yoiking With The Winged Ones
Ash International, 2015
Ánde Somby is a traditional Sámi yoik artist and an associate professor at the Faculty of Law at the University of Tromsø, specialising in Indigenous Rights Law. Yoiking is the ancient chanting practise of the Sámi People – the indigenous peoples on the top of Europe. Yoiking originates from time immemorial – legend tells that it was the faires and elves of the arctic lands that gave yoiks to the Sámi People. Yoiking was an important element of the religious rituals in pre-christian times and has survived both christianity, imperialism and the fact that Sámi areas were confiscated by the states of the north; Norway, Finland, Sweden and Russia.
Ánde Somby was recorded on location in Kvalnes, Lofoten by Chris Watson, the world famous sound artist and leading field recorder. Norwegian artist A K Dolven shot the photos during the session. My artwork showcased her images on reverse board with bronze foil block type.