An attempt to use blood residue analysis to identify sacrificial practices at sieidi sites

In autumn 2012, samples were taken from three sieidi stones in order to test blood residue analysis as a method for identifying marks of Sámi sacrifi cial practices. Prior to the fi eldwork, test samples were taken from stones that the authors smeared with blood and left outside fi rst for six and then for fi ve more months. Altogether 19 samples from sieidi stones were analysed. Prior research has not concentrated on blood traces on stones that are exposed to sunlight. The analyses using mass spectrometry revealed that blood proteins could be identifi ed in the test stones. There were nevertheless indications of a rapid disintegration of the blood proteins when exposed to open-air conditions. All the samples from sieidi stones gave a negative result. Currently it is unclear whether the degradation of blood proteins has exceeded the detection limit of the method, or whether sacrifi cial practices at those sites did not include blood offerings.