Building on Roots Project Brings Together Arctic Knowledge Holders, Artists, and Boatbuilders

A multi-year cultural revitalisation project, Building on Roots, dedicated to traditional root craft has been launched in Northern Norway under the leadership of art curator Anja Kath Lande from Adde Zetterquist Art Gallery in Junkerdal. The project aims to revitalise and document knowledge related to root harvesting, root weaving, and the sustainable use of natural materials in northern cultures.

The initiative builds on the earlier Observation of Changes project, in which members of the Arctic Sustainable Arts and Design (ASAD) network participated. Through discussions on environmental change, cultural heritage, and traditional ecological knowledge, the idea emerged to focus specifically on the ecocultural dimensions of root craft traditions and their relevance for contemporary Arctic communities.

The project combines cultural heritage work, craft, artistic research, exhibitions, community engagement, and educational activities. Collaborating organisations include Adde Zetterquist Art Gallery, the University of Lapland, the Sallto Pitesami Language Center, Silvermuseet, Ájtte Museum, Ä'vv Skolt Sámi Museum, the Sealaska Heritage Institute, Nordland Nasjonalparksenter and ASAD-network.

Seminar and workshop explored living traditions

As part of the project, a seminar and practical workshop were organised to examine the use of tree roots in traditional craft practices and wooden boat construction. Speakers of the seminar were Stephen Wickler, Arne Terje Sæther and Mika Alava. Together, participants of the two events included traditional boatbuilders, craftspeople, artists, researchers, and cultural heritage professionals from Norway, Sweden and Finland.

Participants of root weaving workshop. Photograps by Bjørnar Meisler, 2026.

One of the highlights of the workshop was the opportunity to learn directly from Professor Emerita Gunvor Guttorm of the Sámi University of Applied Sciences, one of the leading scholars and practitioners of Sámi duodji. During the workshop, participants learned how roots are responsibly harvested, prepared, and woven using techniques developed over generations. The workshop introduced root-weaving techniques that are shared across northern regions and have been practised by various communities in northern Scandinavia.

Beyond technical skills, the workshop offered insights into the ecocultural knowledge embedded in root craft traditions. Discussions focused on the relationships between materials, seasons, cultural practices, and sustainability. Participants also had opportunity to explore how roots have historically been used to fasten and strengthen traditional wooden boats.

Several participants are already exploring how the skills and perspectives gained during the workshop might be incorporated into contemporary art projects, environmental art practices, community arts initiatives, and place-based educational activities.

Teachers, speakers and participants of boat building workshop. Photograps by Bjørnar Meisler, 2026.

From cultural heritage to future practices

The revitalisation project extends beyond the workshop itself. Future activities will include exhibition projects, documentation, public events, and further opportunities for knowledge exchange among Indigenous communities, artists, educators, researchers, and cultural institutions across the North.

For project leader Anja Kath Lande, the initiative is about strengthening relationships between people, materials, landscapes, and cultural heritage. By bringing together knowledge holders, artists, researchers, and craftspeople from across Arctic regions, the project illustrates how traditional practices can remain relevant and meaningful in contemporary society.

Funding of the project is received from the Arts Council Norway (Kulturrådet), Norwegian Cultural Heritage Fund (Kulturminnefondet), and Nordland County Council (Nordland Fylkeskommune).

More information:

Anja Kath Lande: anja.kath.lande@nordlandsnaturen.no