Guess What This Really Is
November 8, 2025
Source: Reddit
Carrying a handmade item connected to the past and to the earth gives a person a feeling of being connected to a long-lasting legacy. There is no other object like this; an example of this type of object is the kuksa (also called Sámi wooden cup).
While many people believe that a kuksa resembles a simple rustic bowl or novelty mug, the reality is that the kuksa has deep historical roots within the Sámi culture. For generations, Sámi reindeer herders and travelers have used the kuksa as a functional tool and as a cultural symbol.
What Is A Kuksa?
A kuksa is a handmade, carved-out drinking cup constructed from birch burl. Birch burl is a particularly hard section of a birch tree. It contains numerous, rich, curved lines of growth. Due to the uniqueness of every piece of birch burl, each handmade kuksa will have its own distinct visual identity. In addition to its aesthetic qualities, a kuksa is made to last. The shallow shape of the bowl of the kuksa and the leather loop attached to the side of the bowl provide the user with ease of use while traveling. They also provide the means to carry the kuksa on your back or on a belt.
The leather loop allows you to hang the kuksa from a backpack or belt and then quickly drink from the shallow bowl. The kuksa can be used to hold either cold stream water or hot coffee and serve its intended purpose with great efficiency.
Sámi Tradition And Everyday Life
For the indigenous Sámi people of Northern Europe and Siberia, the kuksa represents more than just a tool to use. The kuksa typically is a personal item and is often hand-carved or gifted. It signifies friendship, respect or a spiritual bond to the land.
In the traditional Sámi way, a kuksa would never be cleaned using soap and water. Instead, it would be gently rinsed with clean running water. It would then be left to dry on its own. As time passes, the kuksa would absorb the essence of the liquids it was holding. This would develop a ‘seasoned’ quality to the vessel.
Built for Wilderness Travel
Although modern kuksas are now manufactured in workshops, the design has remained unchanged. Strong, lightweight, and developed specifically to meet the needs of outdoor enthusiasts, a kuksa is a popular companion for hikers, campers, and people living in harmony with nature.
When using a kuksa, the user is reminded of the quiet hours spent around campfires. It also brings to mind the gentle flow of small streams and the morning sun rising over the forest. The kuksa is a reminder of how one’s lifestyle is influenced by the value of simplicity. It reflects the craftsmanship associated with building things that last.
Gift-Giving
Kuksas are often used as gifts to celebrate special occasions or to show gratitude to someone. Many individuals customize their kuksas with personalized designs or initials which adds to the emotional significance of each gift.
Some individuals prefer to create their own kuksas through carving and the quiet process involved. In doing so, they develop an heirloom-quality item that will be passed down for generations to come.
An Enduring Symbol of Time Past
The kuksa is a physical representation of the ideals of functionality, tradition and timelessness. Whether it is being used or displayed, the kuksa provides a constant reminder of a time when craftspeople created objects with purpose. These objects were meant to endure for generations.
Each of the curves in the wood and knots in the grain tell a story and invite the user to reflect upon the values held by previous generations of craftsmen. The kuksa provides a quiet connection to the traditions and history of people who understood the importance of finding a balance between utility and meaningfulness.