ABSTRACT It is not until the fourteenth century that written records offer a glimpse into the coastal societies of Northern Sweden. Records include references to a social stratum referred to as the birkarlar, who were tradesmen engaged in trading with the Sámi. The origin of the birkarlar, their prominent status and the meaning of the term, is an enigma that has been much disputed among scholars although there is consensus about the economic and fiscal supremacy of birkarlar vis-á-vis the Sámi. However, the paradox of tradesmen employing force against their most important circle of suppliers and customers remains a puzzle. The birkarla institution is analyzed by means of alternative reading of historical records from the perspective of the indigenous Sámi and coastal farming communities. The postulated animosity between Sámi and the birkarlar is critically examined in light of the social and economic context of interior and coastal communities during the Late Iron Age and Early Medieval period, and in relation to historically known Sámi kinship relationships and marriage traditions. Data are analyzed with regard to demography and social structure, and from a landscape perspective including the logistics and practicalities of inter-cultural contact. Analyses corroborate that birkarlar were deeply rooted in the coastal communities and fully involved in the regular subsistence activities. They were representatives given a commission of trust and contacts between the birkarlar and the Sámi were characterized by mutuality and inter-dependence.

中文翻译：

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Birkarlarand Sámi – 不受国家控制的跨文化接触：重新考虑中世纪萨米社会中外部商人 (birkarlar) 的地位

摘要 直到 14 世纪，书面记录才提供了对瑞典北部沿海社会的一瞥。记录包括提到被称为 birkarlar 的社会阶层，他们是与萨米人进行贸易的商人。birkarlar 的起源、他们的突出地位和该术语的含义，是一个在学者中引起很大争议的谜，尽管对于 birkarlar 与萨米人的经济和财政至上地位已达成共识。然而，商人对他们最重要的供应商和客户圈子动用武力的悖论仍然是一个谜。从土著萨米人和沿海农业社区的角度，通过对历史记录的替代阅读来分析 Birkarla 机构。根据铁器时代晚期和中世纪早期内陆和沿海社区的社会和经济背景，以及历史上已知的萨米亲属关系和婚姻传统，对萨米人与伯卡尔拉人之间假定的敌意进行了批判性研究。数据分析涉及人口和社会结构，并从景观角度分析，包括跨文化接触的物流和实用性。分析证实，birkarlar 深深扎根于沿海社区，并充分参与了正常的生计活动。他们是被授予信任委员会的代表，而 birkarlar 和萨米人之间的接触具有相互依存和相互依存的特点。