Inukshuk

Inukshuk, is a mysterious stone figures that can be found throughout the world. They are monuments made of unworked stones that are used by the Inuit for communication and survival. An Inukshuk can be small or large, single rock or several rocks balanced on each other, round, bounders or flat. The arrangement of stones indicates the purpose of the marker. The Inuit make Inukshuk in different forms for a variety of purposes: as navigation or directional aids, to make a place of respect or memorial of a beloved person, or to indicate migration routes or places where fish can be found. These sculptural forms are among the oldest and most important objects placed by humans upon the vast Arctic landscape and have become a familiar symbol of the Inuit and of their homeland. Inuit tradition forbids the destruction of Inukshuk, it is often venerated as symbolizing ancestor who knew how to survive on the land in the traditional way. 


           

          An Inukshuk in the form of a human being is called an inunnguaq. This type of structure forms the basis of the logo of the 2010 Winter Olympics designed by Vancouver artist Elena Rivera MacGregor. It is located by the sea wall of English Bay. It sits on the edge of a small peninsula with a circular walking path with the Burrard Inlet, cascade mountain range and ocean lines behind, it is a picturesque and popular site no matter the weather or time of day as the Inukshuk is lighten up at night. It is endure as eternal symbols of leadership, encouraging the importance of friendship and reminding us of our dependence upon one another. It also represents safety and nourishment, trust and reassurance. It guided people across the frozen tundra and gave them hope in barren places to handle hardships they encountered. These primitive, stone images showed the way ahead and depicted co-operation among natives and new Canadians.