SURVIVAL - DEATH
HUMAN - ANIMAL
MAN-MADE - NATURE
In Finnish Lapland, between Rovaniemi and Raanujärvi, the almost unremarkable hill Kermajuppo stands above the lake Juponlammi. When looking more closely at the area, it will reveal its extraordinary features. Kermajuppo is venue of something special and ancient. Visible remains of wild forest deer hunting pits and food storage caches can be found, referring to a long-gone livelihood and the northern hunting culture of the Sàmi people. A magical place, where historical air is blowing all around and takes your thoughts and body far away into the past.
Besides the hunting and gathering history, the place can be seen as a connection point between history, nature, environment, animals, culture and livelihood. Even if all what remains are some parts of dug holes in the ground, the whole area has a much deeper meaning. It represents the relationship between animal and human, survival and death, man-made things and nature.
Identifying, understanding and representing the special place Kermajuppo has been main research topic of my Master Thesis. As a part of the research process, I tried to represent the place in an exhibition at the University of Lapland, far off its original and natural surroundings. The search for suitable visual material and text, its combination and interaction allowed me to develop an even deeper understanding about Kermajuppo’s main relationships and trait. It helped me to find the connection between past, present and future as well as to comprehend natures full importance for our survival. While combining research data from visual ethnography and literature research in form of a book, I tried to demonstrate and communicate the essence and magic of Kermajuppo. Pictures of the place and relevant historical and place-specific literature are illustrating the key elements visible and perceptible at Kermajuppo.
With a corresponding installation I aimed on symbolizing my experience about the place investigation. When I started my journey, Kermajuppo seemed like an almost ordinary Lappish hill, surrounded by forest. However, when looking more closely it started to reveal its own characteristics and nature. Like Kermajuppo itself, the installation unfolded its true virtue when only looked at it from the right perspective.
