Native Art Gallery
Inukshuk
Inukshuk
Artist: Samonie Shaa
Community: Cape Dorset
Medium: Basalt, Soapstone
Dimensions (in): W3.0 x H 5.5 x D1.0
Reference: 109216
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Inukshuk is an Inuit word meaning "in the Image of Man".
Inukshuks are invaluable aids to the Inuit who live and travel in the far North. Built by piling rocks in a way that resembles the human form, Inukshuks are used as guides, signposts and territorial markings, as well as hunting tools to herd caribou.
Anyone who has travelled the Arctic can appreciate how vast and lonely the far North can be. One can travel for days, even weeks, without seeing another human being. In this environment, the sighting of an Inukshuk brings a tremendous feeling of comfort and ease; a joy of knowing that one is travelling in the right direction, and a comfort that someone has passed before.
An Inukshuk symbolizes the North and tells whoever passes that man has been there before. It is hard to resist building an Inukshuk, even if for no real reason, other than a passing thought of becoming part of history.








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Samonie Shaa

Samonie Shaa is a prominent Inuit artist from Nunavut, Canada, renowned for her distinctive approach to traditional and contemporary art forms. Shaa's work is deeply influenced by her Inuit heritage and reflects the cultural narratives and natural beauty of the Arctic region. She is known for her intricate carvings and prints, which often depict wildlife and traditional Inuit life, blending traditional techniques with modern artistic expressions.
Shaa’s art has been featured in various exhibitions across Canada and internationally, earning acclaim for its originality and cultural significance. Her contributions to the art world not only highlight the rich artistic traditions of the Inuit people but also provide a contemporary perspective that resonates with global audiences. Through her work, she preserves and reinterprets Inuit stories and symbols, making them accessible to a wider audience.