Inukshuk

The Inuksuk

is a well known symbol in the Arctic. Each Inuksuk (in English Inukshuk) is unique - built from the stones at hand.

In Inuktitut, one of the languages of the Inuit, the word Inuksuk means "likeness of a person". While travelling in some parts of Nunavut and Northern Quebec, you can see piles of rock slabs and stones which are usually built to resemble the shape of a person with arms stretching out. The Inuksuk is a form of Inusugait, and Inusugait refers to all forms of piled stones.

Traditionally Inusugait (plural of Inuksuk) were used in many different ways. For example, Nuluq showed travelers and hunters the way home, Nalunaikutauk to warn of dangerous places, Egunasii showed where food was stored, the Inuksuk to show where a significant event happened and, finally, to help hunt caribou herds.

Inuit placed the Inuksuk in such a way as to frighten the caribou and guide them toward the waiting hunters who would be hiding behind a boulder. In this way, the Inuksuk did the work of humans. Inuit and their ancestors have lived in the Arctic for over 4,000 years.

In the winter, many Inuit lived on the sea ice where much of the season was spent comfortably within a snow house. During this dark time of the year, the stars in the night sky were important. Their position was used to tell time and to predict the return of the spring sun. Some Inuksuit were built to point toward the North Star, the star that does not move.

Today, the Inuksuk is much more than just a stone marker. It became a symbol of the North and of leadership, cooperation and the human spirit.

As traditional ways are blending with contemporary ways, Inuit and non-Inuit sometimes build Inuksuit simply to mark their presence both in the Arctic and across this country.

Inukshuk at the Ottawa River Photo: Archiv

THE ART OF INUKSUK BUILDING
http://www.arcticinuitart.com/culture/inuk.html

WIKEPEDIA EXPLANATION
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inukshuk

INUKSUK SCULPTURES
http://www.soapstonecarvings.com/inuk.htm