Exhibition inaugurated showcasing Sámi tales and illustrations by Luboš Drtina in Tromsø

The exhibition “Just Knud Qvigstad: Sámi Tales and Legends / Illustrations by Luboš Drtina” was inaugurated on Friday at Romssa Sámi Viessu in Tromsø. This exhibition showcases illustrations from the Czech artist Luboš Drtina, featured in his book “O muži, který si koupil svědění” (The Man Who Bought an Itch), which is based on selected texts from Just Knud Qvigstad’s collection of Sámi stories.

Harald Gaski, a professor and Sámi literature expert, emphasized the significance of Qvigstad’s work in preserving Sámi culture, noting that it holds substantial value for future generations. He highlighted Qvigstad’s commitment to meticulously documenting Sámi narratives at a time when many researchers overlooked the Sámi perspective.

Qvigstad, born on April 4, 1853, in Lyngen and passing away on March 15, 1957, in Tromsø, is recognized internationally for his extensive contributions to the study of Sámi language and culture. His remarkable body of work includes “Nordische Lehnwörter im Lappischen” and “Lappiske eventyr og folkesagn,” among others. Gaski praised Qvigstad for his thorough scholarship and the enduring relevance of his work for Sámi researchers today.

Luboš Drtina drew inspiration for his illustrations from the rune drums used by Sámi shamans, adapting the imagery to reflect his interpretation of Sámi folklore. Although his work has sparked discussions on cultural appropriation, some, like Martin Hajman, argue that Drtina’s inspirations are respectful and drawn from Sámi heritage.

Zdeněk Lyčka, who translated Qvigstad’s texts from Norwegian to Czech, expressed his deep appreciation for Qvigstad as a major collector of Sámi stories, while Czech Ambassador to Norway, David Červenka, acknowledged the global significance of Qvigstad’s contributions to Sámi culture.