Inuksuk

of Labrador

 

Photo courtesy of Thomas Gollnik (Berlin, Germany)

Inuksuk is an Inuit form of art. Essentially, the word "Inuksuk" means "human being". Indeed, many of the Inuksuk have a human form. Built of a variety of stones – whatever type of stone can be found in the area where the Inuksuk is erected – they are placed in strategic locations. They were used as location indicators, navigational points, message holders, meeting points, etc. Some of the old Inuksuk are the object of veneration by the Inuit people and are viewed as a spiritual connection to their ancestors. They have been described as "guardians of the land for the people".