Early modern knowledge about the Sámi

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Johannes Schefferus’ Lapponia (1673) is a key source for historical studies on the Sámi people of Fennoscandia, yet its detailed history and early reception have not been thoroughly examined. Written in Uppsala and published in Latin for an international audience, the work aimed to counter rumors about Sámi sorcerers in the Swedish military but ultimately provided a factual account. Schefferus offered a realistic portrayal of the lappmarks, detailing topography, natural resources, flora, fauna, and the customs, objects, and commerce of the Sámi. This effort sought to enhance Sweden's reputation and assert the lappmarks' integration into the Kingdom. Despite never visiting the lappmarks, Schefferus' work gained traction, leading to adaptations in English, German, French, and Dutch. This study focuses on the creation and evolution of Lapponia as a literary work. Analyzing the original Latin text, I explore the knowledge structures and communicative networks surrounding this early modern depiction of the Sámi. Utilizing archival sources and unpublished letters, I reconstruct the history of Lapponia and its adaptations, revealing significant differences in content, structure, and literary traditions. I also examine the role of eyewitness accounts, primarily from clergymen and a few Sámi individuals, and discuss the influence of the Republic of Letters on the dissemination of early modern knowledge about the Sámi across Europe.