Their society consists of family groups (siida) which live and utilise natural resources together. The families move between summer and winter pasture areas. But they often have one or two homes in the vicinity of these pastures, where they live permanently. Today, reindeer breeding is organised in Sami villages. There are 43 of these in all.

To the Sami, the concepts of handicraft and art are intertwined. Everyday items, some of them still in use today, not only had a practical function but were designed to be aesthetically pleasing. The drum of the noaidi was not only a musical instrument, but also an artist's image of the worlds of men and gods. The kolt, the traditional outer garment of the Sami, is not only functional and warm, but is also a beautiful example of textile art, with its embroidery work and bright colours. The shape and appearance of such everyday objects as knives, bowls and harnesses are as important as their functionality. Typical Sami materials include reindeer horn, wood and leather goods.