The old Saami society structure, the Siida, existed until the 1600's. The word siida was used for a (local) society, and for the area that the society prevailed. The organisation of the society is best documented in the area of the Eastern-Saami. Here the mode of living and traditions linked to the Siida organisation was maintained until the beginning of the 20th century.
The economy of the Siida organisation was primarily based on hunting, fishing and gathering. After 1600 the Siida areas were dissolved and industries like tame reindeer herding and keeping of domestic animals became important economic resources. At the same time the old Saami religion disappeared for the benefit of Christianity.
The pre-Christian religion of the Saami can be characterised as a nature based religion. The naturethat surrounded the people was thought of as being animated, and living creatures and things that today are considered dead elements (stone, water) could have divine forces. The noaidi, the Saami shaman, was a central person in the Saami society. He- it was usually a man - officiated as a connecting link between the people and the gods.