The tradition of spinning metal threads can be traced back some 3000 years. Originally, these threads were used to sew objects onto jewellery.

In Haga, near the city of Uppsala (Sweden), fragments of spun gold threads that date back to 1000 BC have been discovered. And during the Viking Age (approx. 9th to 11th century AD), it was common to have belongings embellished with spun gold, silver or bronze threads. Excavations in Birka and Sigtuna (both in present-day Sweden), for example, have revealed draw-plates, tools made from antler that were used to draw metal thread to a desired thickness.

The technique of creating thread from tin emerged later. The oldest find so far dates back to approx. 1000 AD, and was discovered near Lake Furen in Småland. In addition, tin thread from around the same period has been found in Gråträsk in Norrbotten.

The Saami people began embroidering with tin thread in the 17th century, primarily in the southern and central regions of their ancestral lands. However, the craft’s popularity declined from the 19th century, and by 1900, it was all but extinguished. This was likely the result of Laestadianism (named for the Swedish Saami pastor Lars Levi Laestadius), a conservative Lutheran revival movement, as it discouraged ornamentation.

Originally, the Saami may have been inspired to spin tin thread through trade with other Nordic cultures where the Finnish, Swedish and Norwegian borders converge. The tin made its way from Britain and Ireland to Norway, where it was purchased by the Saami. Silver thread was also common. But tin proved easier to work with, and was cheaper. Consequently, it became more popular with the Saami.

Traditionally, to make tin thread the Saami would cleave a small birch or alder branch in half and remove the pith. The branches were then tied back together with string. A mixture of tin and lead was then poured into the long, narrow hollow at the centre of the branch. After hardening, this thin tin rod would be drawn through increasingly small holes drilled into slices of reindeer antler. Once the thread was pared down to the desired thickness, it was spun around reindeer sinew.

In 1905 in Dikanäs, Sweden, Andreas Wilks discovered his mother’s old tin thread tools and began experimenting. In the end, he succeeded in drawing and spinning the threads. However, he did not employ the traditional method of wrapping it around reindeer tendon, and instead used wire. Additionally, he simplified the spinning process by replacing the typical twister/wheel with a distaff, a spindle the Saami normally used to turn wool into yarn.

Andreas Wilks has held courses in Norbotten, Västerbotten, Jämtland and Härjedalen – saving and reviving a traditional craft that was very nearly lost.

saami crafts history

Find details of the history behind saami crafts products!