Myljä

Myljä is a reindeer herding tradition in the Saami people's cultural heritage, practiced primarily in northern Scandinavia, particularly in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Myljä refers to the huts or shelters built in the wilderness, which are used as temporary habitats by the herders during the reindeer migration.

These makeshift dwellings are typically constructed by the herders themselves, using readily available materials such as snow, ice, and branches. The myljä serve as a temporary shelter for the herders, providing protection from the elements and a place to rest during long periods of outdoor work. The structure is often a simple wooden frame, covered with animal hides or other waterproof materials.

Myljä have been an integral part of the Saami reindeer herding culture for centuries, allowing the herders to maintain a close connection with nature and their animals. The building of myljä requires a deep understanding of the local environment, including the layout of the land, the availability of materials, and the habits of the reindeer. Herders skilled in this tradition are able to construct a myljä quickly and efficiently, often in harsh weather conditions.

In recent years, the importance of myljä has been recognized, and efforts have been made to preserve this traditional practice. While some myljä have been lost due to modernization and urbanization, many have been rebuilt and restored, serving as a connection to the past and a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the Saami people.