lavvu

English

A lavvu in the late 1800s

A Sami family in front of a goahti in the foreground and a lavvu in the background (the picture is taken around 1900).

Etymology

Probably from Northern Sami lávvu, ultimately from Proto-Samic *lāvō.

Noun

lavvu (plural lavvus)

1. A temporary dwelling used by the Sami people of Northern Europe, similar in design to Native American tipis but less vertical and more stable in high winds.