påssjo

påssjo, the sacred area in a Sami kota, or tent, found directly behind the central hearth. Strictly forbidden to women, the påssjo was furnished with its own entrance and sometimes set off with poles to separate it from the living space in the rest of the kota. The påssjo held all objects of value, such as hunting weapons, which women were not allowed to touch; it also held cooking utensils, dishes, and the food of...