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The Lavvu
THE LAVVU
(pronounced LAA-voo)
| The Lavvu (also called a kota) is a temporary dwelling used by the Sami people of northern Scandinavia. The Sami are one of the oldest indigenous groups in Europe who, for hundreds of years, have crossed the cold tundra of northern Norway, Sweden and Finland with their reindeer herds. The lavvu is so integral to the Sami culture that they designed their parliament building to resemble the structure. |  |
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The Lavvu is very similar to a Native American Indian tipi in shape. Its simplicity enable the Sami to erect and dismantle their shelters quickly. The most noticeable differences between the tipi and the lavvu are the door, which is much larger, the fact that there are no smoke flaps and the shape of the roof. The huge advantage with this structure is the fact that there are no drips when it rains and no streaming eyes from wood smoke and yet you still have the magnificence of the tipi design. The lavvu sleeps four and has a pot bellied stove in the centre, with a fluted fire cowl and flue pipe to take away the smoke. Guests staying in the lavvu have commented on how toasty warm it is. If you have children, rest assured that a fireguard will be put in place to ensure little fingers don't get hurt. Furnishings include four pine slatted beds (close to the ground) with mattresses, pillows and throws, large cushions, sheepskins, a low table, a chest full of blankets and a chest containing cooking equipment. This is a lovely structure - a wonderful cross between a tipi and a yurt! |
