SACRED SYMBOLS AND ART
Inuit art is created using materials which are available to them, such as soapstone, baleen, wood, ivory, bones, skin and antlers. These materials were used to make sacred carvings or masks which had a magical or religious significance.
Masks
Masks were mainly from driftwood and ivory to serve a variety of spiritual purposes. Shamans wore masks carved to portray animals and spirits in their rituals. These masks were believed to have powers enabling the Shaman to communicate with the spirits. The masks were also worn during dance festivals to ask for assistance from the spirits during harsh environmental conditions. Evidently, these masks were believed to be a gateway to communicate with the spirits. |
Carvings
Inuit beliefs were often portrayed and past down through stories. Carvings of the characters of these stories, particularly spirits, were believed to have protective abilities and to evoke the support of and embody guardian spirits.
Inuit beliefs were often portrayed and past down through stories. Carvings of the characters of these stories, particularly spirits, were believed to have protective abilities and to evoke the support of and embody guardian spirits.