Inukshuk (singular), meaning "likeness of a person" in Inuktitut (the Inuit language) is a stone figure made by the Inuit. The plural is inuksuit. The Inuit make inuksuit in different forms and for different purposes: to show directions to travellers, to warn of impending danger, to mark a place of respect, or to act as helpers in the hunting of caribou. Similar stone figures were made all over the world in ancient times, but the Arctic is one of the few places where they still stand. An inukshuk can be small or large, a single rock, several rocks balanced on each other, round boulders or flat. Inuit tradition forbids the destruction of inuksuit.
Create your own Inukshuk in Flash!!! Inukshuk in the form of human beings, called inunnguaq, seem to have been a recent development, perhaps only appearing after the arrival of European whalers in the 19th century. One of the most important types of inuksuit are those that helped in the caribou hunt. These are usually built with 2 or 3 rocks piled up and placed in converging lines along the migration route of the herd. The Inuit placed arctic heather among the rocks to simulate human hair. The figures were intended to spook the caribou and stampede them towards the places where the hunters hid. An open leg on an inukshuk found near water or a coastline may point to an open channel for navigation. If an inukshuk is in open land, a leg or arm might suggest a direction. Inuksuit placed near a lake might show that fish can be found in the lake at the same distance the figure is placed from the shoreline. Some inuksuit were built out of respect for a beloved person and are seen as memorials. James Marsh Related Articles About the Inuit in The Canadian Encyclopedia 
General Articles
Inuit Groups
Biographies
- Akeeaktashuk
- Anguhadluq, Luke
- Aqjangajuk, Shaa
- Arluk, George
- Davidialuk, Alasua Amittuq
- Curley, Tagak
- Evaluarjuk, Henry
- Inukpuk, Johnny
- Kalvak, Helen
- Kananginak Pootoogook
- Karoo Ashevak
- Kavik
- Kenojuak Ashevak
- Mannumi, Davidee
- Kabloona
- Kusugak, Michael
- Markoosie
- Nanogak, Agnes
- Oonark, Jessie
- Osuitok Ipelee
- Ovilu Tunnillie
- Pangnark, John
- Parr
- Pauta Saila
- Pitseolak Ashoona
- Pitseolak Peter
- Pudlo Pudlat
- Qaqaq Ashoona
- Sinnisiak
- Sivuarapik, Charlie
- Talirunili, Joe
- Tasseor Tutsweetok, Lucy
- Tiktak, John
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