Infrastructure for reindeer herding?

Presumably pens and loading to stock trucks.

Just like cattle yards with gates and runs.

Quite deceptive.

By the time we got the camera switched on it had ambled from the road into the trees.

This one had road works.

A few corrugations in a couple of places. Only noticeable because we were looking for them.

We must be careful not to hit one.

A collection of Saami silver started by a local doctor. Plus all sorts of other Saami things. And lots from settlers.

We also met the local archeologist as we were asking questions about the area.

I'd already read one of her papers. Describing how they'd mapped where the coast had been 10,000 years ago based on how the land had risen. Then went looking for stoneage and other sites. Lots of success.

We have a lot of admiration for people who can methodically do that sort of work. We just turn up after the hard work with the camera.

Also vests.

Interesting pattern to what looked like wooden tiles.

A series of pits, probably with fences to herd the animals.

Its at Asen on Lake Hirnaven. Just north of Arjeplog.

Probably about 4,000 years old.

The pile of stones would be a hearth at the centre of a lavvu (those bell tent like structures).

Moving with the seasons the Saami shifted from predominantly fishing to beginning to herd reindeer around the 5th century.

We are a bit puzzled, but no one to ask.

Why are the hearths rectangular while the lavvus they are inside are round.

Maybe the original square peg in a round hole? (I knew you'd like that one). 

Its been reinvented as a fish smoker.

Fire in the bottom. Fish in the top.

The roof lifts to get the air flow right.

We've seen a few of what we thought may be fish smokers but this is the first we've cross examined. Presumably the table behind is for preparing the fish.

Its difficult to describe the absence of something, but there were no fish leftovers, or litter.

None of the towns up here are large.

Our sort of place.

A couple of cars came up for a look (well the people in them at least). And a motorhome.

Despite being south of the Arctic Circle the height may have let us see the midnight sun.

Alas the clouds got in the way.