Still standing : on the use of dioramas and mannequins in Sámi exhibitions

Abstract

This article is about the use of dioramas in Sámi exhibitions. The author discusses the use of a specific exhibition technique where a mannequin and a taxidermied reindeer are grouped together, and often placed in an illusionary winter landscape. She has named this the Lappish Equipage. This form of representation has a long history both inside and outside museums, and it can be found in both Sámi and ethnic Norwegian and Swedish museums. The author discusses how this diorama works, and how its chequered past through appearances in various types of exhibitions makes it problematic to use in contemporary museum exhibitions about the Sámi. On the other hand, the author also points out that if the Lappish Equipage is re-framed and re-contextualized, and its exhibition history is consciously activated, the Lappish Equipage has a potential to work as a contact point between Sámi history and visitors in the museums today.