The Nordics' first ski goggles
Source: Snow goggles - Wikipedia
🕶️ Origin: Protection against snow blindness
In the Arctic and northern regions, it is not only the cold that poses a challenge, but also the intense sunlight that is reflected from snow-covered landscapes. To protect their eyes from snow blindness, indigenous peoples such as the Sámi and Inuit developed simple yet effective snow goggles. These were made from materials such as bone, wood, or bark and had narrow horizontal slits that filtered the light without enlarging or shading. One of the oldest examples of such glasses has been found on Baffin Island and dates back to around 1200–1600 AD.
🪶 Material and manufacturing
In northern Scandinavia, Sámi hunters and reindeer herders used snow goggles, especially during early spring when the risk of snow blindness was at its highest. These glasses could be decorated and were an important part of traditional outdoor equipment. For example, there are snow goggles made from moose antlers and braided reindeer leather, designed by Nicke Gunnare from Jokkmokk, who has also marked them with his brand.
🌞 Symbolism and heritage
These early snow goggles represent more than just practical tools; they symbolize survival, adaptation, and harmony with nature. They demonstrate the ingenuity and cultural understanding that has developed in interaction with the harsh conditions in the north.
