Pälkähästä

Pälkähästä is a Finnish term that refers to a small, often temporary, settlement or collection of buildings that arose in the historical context of Sámi reindeer herding. These settlements typically served as seasonal gathering places or temporary shelters for reindeer herders during their movements with the herds.

Historically, pälkähästä were not permanent villages in the traditional sense. Instead, they were functional sites established to facilitate the logistical needs of reindeer husbandry, such as corrals for sorting reindeer, temporary dwellings for herders, and storage areas for supplies. The location and size of a pälkähästä would vary depending on the season and the specific herding practices of the Sámi community.

The term itself is derived from Finnish words related to the Finnish word "pälkkä," meaning a small patch of snow or ice, and "häs" which can imply haste or a quick assembly, suggesting the temporary and adaptive nature of these settlements. They were integral to the sustainable management of reindeer herds across the vast territories of Lapland. While the traditional nomadic lifestyle has evolved, the concept of pälkähästä reflects a unique aspect of Sámi culture and their deep connection to the Arctic environment and reindeer herding traditions.