Inukshuk; not just piles of stones but figures holding spirit, sacred meaning and direction.
The word “Inukshuk”(pronounced In-OOK-Shook) literally translates into “stone man that points the way”.
These stone figures were placed on the temporal and spiritual landscapes. Among many practical functions, they were employed as hunting and navigation aids, coordination points, indicators, and message centers. The Inuit also constructed a stone figure called an Inunnguaq which means 'in the likeness of a human.' In addition to their earthly functions, certain Inuksuk-like figures had spiritual connotations, and were objects of veneration, often marking the threshold of the spiritual landscape of the Inummariit -- the Inuit who knew how to survive on the land living in their traditional way.
The word “Inukshuk”(pronounced In-OOK-Shook) literally translates into “stone man that points the way”.
These stone figures were placed on the temporal and spiritual landscapes. Among many practical functions, they were employed as hunting and navigation aids, coordination points, indicators, and message centers. The Inuit also constructed a stone figure called an Inunnguaq which means 'in the likeness of a human.' In addition to their earthly functions, certain Inuksuk-like figures had spiritual connotations, and were objects of veneration, often marking the threshold of the spiritual landscape of the Inummariit -- the Inuit who knew how to survive on the land living in their traditional way.
In addition to marking "the way" these First Nation Stone Totems are also used as;
- A symbol of respect --- for a person.
- A symbol of appreciation --- for the magnificence of the land.
- A symbol of honor --- marking a place of spiritual significance.
An Inukshuk can symbolize the close connection and harmony between the people and the land and the balance between the people and nature.
- A symbol of respect --- for a person.
- A symbol of appreciation --- for the magnificence of the land.
- A symbol of honor --- marking a place of spiritual significance.
An Inukshuk can symbolize the close connection and harmony between the people and the land and the balance between the people and nature.
The photo is of my first Inukshuk. It is on the "Thousand Stone Farm" of Dick and Nancy O'leary in Andes (Catskill Mountains) NY.
3 comments:
Beautiful. How long did the whole process take? Are you planning to create anymore?
I have rebuilt the one in the picture. The replacement is a little larger. I will post a picture after the next time I visit Thousand Stones Farm. The one pictured was at about the limit of my competence. When I added a little height, I found it much more difficult to fit the stones together solidly.
I will build more but I will attempt a mortar-less wall first.
Thanks for visiting
The process was not a long one. There are lots of stones around.
a couple of hours all in.
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