Goahti

The fabric-covered goahti looks very similar to a Sami lavvu, but often constructed slightly larger.

The interior construction of the poles is thus: 1) four poles curved at one end (8–12 feet (2.4–3.7 m) long), 2) one straight horizontal center pole (5–8 feet (1.5–2.4 m) long), and 3) approximately a dozen straight wall-poles (10–15 feet (3.0–4.6 m) long).

The goahti covering, today made usually of canvas, is laid up against the structure and tied down.

The turf version of the goahti will have the canvas replaced with wood resting on the structure covered with birch bark then peat to provide a durable construction.

Today, because of the awkward size of the curved poles, this structure is used less often by the Sami as a transportable shelter.

Reconstruction of a peat goahti at Skansen open-air museum
A reconstruction of a wooden goahti
A Sami family in front of goahti. The tent in the background is a lavvu . Note the differences in the pole placement of the two structures. This photo was taken around 1900 in northern Scandinavia .
Peat goahti from Eastern Finnmark. Late 19th century.
Goahti. 1870s.