The collection, which covers history from the 6th to the 17th centuries, will be transferred to Ájtte – Swedish Mountain and Sami Museum, the State Historical Museums announced in a press release.
The finds were made in 1915 and the objects were brought to Stockholm without the consent of the Sami population.
The State Historical Museums based the decision on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and emphasize the importance of recognizing the rights of indigenous peoples. Today, parts of the finds are on display in the Historical Museum's exhibition "The World of the Vikings."
"Having a Sami administration of the offerings is about reclaiming a part of our origins and our Forest Sami history. We feel a strong connection to the offering site and the sacred objects," says Kerstin Andersson, chairwoman of Lillsaivis Village Association.
The finds include 600 objects and 150 kilograms of bones, including reindeer and bear. Research shows that the sacrificial site was used from as early as the 6th century until the 17th century.
The decision is also welcomed by Ájtte's museum director Elisabeth Pirak Kuoljok, who sees it as an important step towards returning Sami collections to Sápmi.
