Guksi facts for kids
A Guksi (also called a kuksa in Finland or kåsa in Sweden) is a special type of drinking cup. It's traditionally made by the Sami people, who live in the northern parts of Scandinavia. These cups are carved by hand from a special part of a birch tree called a burl. A burl is a lumpy growth on a tree trunk or branch.
How Guksis are Made
To make a guksi, the craftsperson first shapes the birch burl roughly. Then, they carefully dry the wood to stop it from cracking. After that, they finish shaping the cup following old traditions passed down through generations. Guksis made from birch burls usually last much longer than those made from regular birch wood. In the past, guksis were very common in the Arctic regions. A well-made guksi could last a person their whole life!
Taking Care of a Guksi
Traditionally, people only rinsed their guksi with clean water after using it. They would then dry it with a cloth. It's common not to use any soap or detergents on a guksi. Many people believe that soap can damage the wood and its natural qualities.
Guksis Today
Today, it's harder to find a traditional guksi outside of northern Scandinavia. This is partly because burls are not often collected when trees are cut down using modern machines. Also, with the invention of cups made from glass, ceramic, and metal, the skill of making these beautiful duodji (traditional Sami crafts) has become more of a hobby. It's not as essential as it used to be.
However, guksis are still popular for bushcraft, which means outdoor survival skills. When used for bushcraft, a guksi might be carved by the person who will use it. Or, it might be a thoughtful gift from a friend.
