Silvermuseet in Arjeplog — the story of Dr. Wallquist's museum of silver

The story of Silvermuseet starts in 1922. A Dr. Einar Wallquist from the south of Sweden came to Arjeplog in Swedish Lapland. He fell in love with the landscape, the culture and the people in the Arctic and he began to collect items from the region. When he retired he founded his museum of Silver, Silvermuseet, in the heart of Arjeplog.

Historically, when the Sámi people started trading, they started buying silver. Not only as savings but also to show off a little. Silver became the status. Today Silvermuseet holds the world's largest collection of silver, in the Sámi culture.
Since the last ice age, 10000 years ago, people have lived in Swedish Lapland. Living with and off the land, in a, often, harsh arctic situation. Forming this arctic lifestyle.

This story is also told at the museum and through INSARC, Institute for Arctic Landscape Research. The museum has been expanded and modernised. The research is interdisciplinary and separate from universities and colleges, which is unusual but provides a unique opportunity for independent research that’s anchored in the place itself. Just like the Silver Museum is an anchor for all our time. Not just for the past, with traces from the first humans in the area 10,000 years ago up until our present, but also for the future.

The collections, at Silvermuseet, are mainly from Dr. Einar Wallquists private gatherings. But also gifts and loans from other private persons and public organizations, who like to contribute to the storytelling. A history formed by an Arctic environment and the rich culture of its inhabitants.

More on Silvermuseet

This is a production for Swedish Lapland TV

Swedish Lapland – Your Arctic Destination

[marcuslodwick]

Lovely and important museum and artefacts. Great film. My family is looking forward to seeing it next year.