Led by researcher Mikkel Berg-Nordlie, Astri Mari Nyborg and I have joined forces to design a new set of game boards and pieces for the revitalization of traditional Sámi board games like sáhkku, tablut and dablot.

Sáhkku is a board game of the Sámi people. The game is traditional among the North Sámi, Skolt Sámi, Inari Sámi and Lule Sámi but may also have been played in other parts of Sápmi. These games hold cultural and social significance within the Sámi community and have been played for centuries as a form of entertainment, education, and storytelling.

Sáhkku games are typically played on a flat surface using various game boards, dice, and playing pieces. The designs and rules of these games vary among different Sámi communities and regions, reflecting the diversity within the Sámi culture. The games often incorporate elements of strategy, chance, and skill, requiring players to make tactical moves and decisions.

In recent years, there has been a revitalization of interest in traditional Sami board games, with efforts to preserve and promote this traditional form of entertainment. Tournaments, exhibitions, and workshops are organized to showcase Sámi board games, allowing people from different backgrounds to learn about and appreciate the rich heritage of the Sámi people.

Mikkel Berg-Nordlie’s research has provided a strong foundation for the endeavor of revitalizing the board games. Based on his research, we developed the design of game boards and a set of game pieces. The results are published under the Creatice Common licence, and is free for everyone to download and print.

The research on old Sámi board games is community driven. Everyone is welcome to follow the work and share knowledge with others in the community. Follow us on Facebook!