The aim of this project is to study and document the archaeology of Sámi sledges (Swe.ackjor, plural) from Swedish Sápmi. In addition to documenting the physical features of the Sámi sledges, three laboratory analyses on wood from the objects have been carried out: woodspecies analysis, lipid analyses and ¹⁴C-dating.

The documentation produced during this project shows that there are both similarities and differences in the usage, construction, size and appearance (colour and ornamentation) of Sámi sledges. The similarities and differences can be attributed to geographical origin, age and condition of the objects. The result from the wood species analysis shows that although the material varies, Sámi sledges are primarily made of birch (Betula sp.) and pine (Pinus sp.). Two specific items are distinguishable as they are made of aspen (Salix/Populus) and rowan (Sorbus aucuparia). Lipid analysis found traces of organic material in the wood samples that were analysed. Some of the objects were found to have been treated with linseed oil and tar for preservation. The lipid analysis also shows that there are remains of animal fats in 14 objects. It is important to note that these results are to be considered an assessment and not anestablished fact. The result from the ¹⁴C analysis shows that the objects have been used over a long time. There are five obvious time periods: modern times (1600–1950 CE), the transitionperiod between late late Middle Age and modern times (1450–1650 CE), Middle Age (1285–1395 CE), Viking Age (774–993 CE) and Neolithic (3643–2351 BCE). The oldest objects studied have been interpreted to be different sledges and can not be associated with Sámi sledges (ackjor). The documentation and ¹⁴C analysis of the oldest Sámi sledge (Swe. ackja,singular) show that it is dated to the Middle Age (1285–1395 CE). It is possible that when reindeer pastoralism started to intensify, the usage of Sámi sledges became more common.