Skip to main content
Chaptra
Cover of The History of Lapland: Wherein Are Shewed the Original, Manners, Habits, Marriages, Conjurations, &c. of That People

The History of Lapland: Wherein Are Shewed the Original, Manners, Habits, Marriages, Conjurations, &c. of That People

Written by Johannes Scheffer

Not rated yet — tap a star to review it
LaplandSami (European people)

Chaptra reads alongside you — AI insights, chapter breakdowns and reader discussions for every book. Join free

About this book

"The History of Lapland" by Johannes Scheffer is a historical account written in the late 17th century. The work delves into the culture, customs, and social structures of the Laplander people, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of their way of life. It explores various aspects, including their origins, names, habitat, and belief systems, highlighting the unique characteristics of this northern community. At the start of "The History of Lapland," the author introduces the various names by which the region and its inhabitants are known, such as Lappia and Lapponia, along with discussions on their etymology and the historical references of these terms. Scheffer narrates the geographical situation of Lapland and sketches its harsh climate, describing how it affects the lifestyle and the resilience of the Laplanders. The opening chapters set the stage for a detailed examination of the region's peculiarities, shedding light on the Laplanders' origins, their interactions with neighboring cultures, and the significant environmental factors that shape their daily existence.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The History of Lapland: Wherein Are Shewed the Original, Manners, Habits, Marriages, Conjurations, &c. of That People, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 20 hours
  • advanced
  • Informative
  • Academic
  • Descriptive

Johannes Scheffer's "The History of Lapland" is a seminal 17th-century ethnographic work offering an exhaustive account of the Sami people and their Arctic homeland. Commissioned to dispel misconceptions, the book meticulously details their origins, names, geographical situation, harsh climate, and the unique adaptations that define their way of life. Scheffer systematically explores their customs, social structures, belief systems, and daily existence, from their marriages and conjurations to their hunting practices and resilience against the elements. It stands as a pioneering effort in cultural documentation, providing a foundational, albeit historically filtered, understanding of a distinct northern European community.

“"Concerning the Names, both of the Country and the People, there have been various opinions among the Learned, which we shall here endeavor to reconcile and examine with due diligence."”

Key themes

Cultural Observation and Documentation
This is the overarching purpose of Scheffer's work: to systematically observe, record, and categorize the culture, customs, and environment of the Sami people. It represents one of the earliest comprehensive attempts at ethnographic study in Europe, aiming to provide a rational and detailed account rather than relying on hearsay or myth.
Human Adaptation to Environment
A significant portion of the book focuses on how the Sami people have developed unique strategies and cultural practices to survive and thrive in the harsh Arctic climate and challenging geography of Lapland. This theme highlights their resourcefulness, ingenuity, and deep connection to their natural surroundings.
Ethnocentrism and the 'Othering' of Indigenous Cultures
Despite Scheffer's academic intentions, his work is inevitably viewed through a 17th-century European lens, which often categorizes the Sami as 'other' or 'primitive' in comparison to European norms. This theme explores how European observers understood, and sometimes misunderstood, non-European cultures, often projecting their own values and biases onto the observed.

Worth discussing

How does Scheffer's work exemplify early modern ethnographic methods, and what are their inherent strengths and limitations?

Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.

Sign up freeLog in

Discussions

No one has started one yet

Join

Questions this book opens up

No discussions yet

Be the first to start a discussion about this book!

Sign up to start the discussion

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to review this book!