Denmark gives up ownership of the rare drum
– It is completely natural that the drum gets its permanent home at the museum to which it has a historical affiliation, and where it has otherwise been exhibited for many years, says Denmark’s Minister of Culture Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen in a press release.
The culturally important drum was confiscated in Sápmi during the witchcraft trials in 1691 and sent to Copenhagen for storage at the Danish National Museum.
Since 1979, the drum has been back on Sami soil at the Sami Museum in Karasjok (RiddoDuottarMuseat), but only on a loan agreement that expired on 1 December last year.
In connection with the deadline expiring, several Norwegian politicians have become involved in the case, and Norway’s Minister of Culture Anette Trettebergstuen (Labor Party) has been clear that she believes the formal ownership of the drum should be transferred to the Sami Parliament in Norway.
Not normal
Last autumn, the National Museum of Denmark also concluded that they would give the drum back, but it was the Minister of Culture who had to make the final decision.
Halsboe-Jørgensen refers to the Danish Museums Act, which states that state museums may in special cases separate objects from their collections with the permission of the Minister of Culture.
– Normally it is not a question of separation to museums in other countries, but in the specific case permission has been granted on the basis of the drum’s long-term loan to RiddoDuottarMuseat, in addition to the drum’s special connection to and relevance to the area, says Halsboe-Jørgensen.
Ble drept
The drum in question was owned by Anders Poulsen, who was arrested in 1691 in the Nesseby area. He was accused of possessing an oval object called “Rune-Bomme”.
With this instrument, he had “practiced the evil and wicked magic art,” it was stated in the indictment, according to Ságat.
The rune boom was confiscated and sent to Copenhagen, while Poulsen risks the death penalty for his deeds. While awaiting sentencing, however, he was ax-killed by the sheriff’s boy while he lay asleep.