käyti

Käyti is a traditional Sami clothing style originating from the Laponia region in northern Scandinavia. The term "käyti" is derived from the Sami language, where "käy" means "free" or "liberty" and "ti" means "dress" or "garment". Käyti is a long, sleeveless, and floor-length dress worn by Sami women, particularly those from the Swedish and Norwegian regions.

Characteristics of käyti include a simple, straight design, typically made from natural fibers such as wool, cotton, or linen. The dresses often feature intricate patterned embroidery, characteristic of Sami textile art, which depict animals, plants, and other symbolic motifs. Colors used in the embroidery typically range from earthy tones such as brown, beige, and grey to vibrant hues of red, blue, and yellow.

Traditionally, käyti was a significant part of Sami women's cultural heritage, often worn during special occasions such as weddings, festivals, and funerals. The dress symbolized the wearer's marital status, with unmarried women wearing their hair in a bun without a headscarf. Marriage brought changes to the design, with the addition of a headscarf and the incorporation of symbolic motifs signifying the connection to the in-laws' family.

Today, käyti continues to be an essential part of Sami cultural identity, preserved and revitalized through the efforts of traditional weavers and textile artists. With its unique blend of functionality, aesthetics, and symbolism, käyti serves as a remarkable example of traditional Sami material culture that brings together practicality and cultural significance.