Native Art Gallery
Inukshuk
Inukshuk
Artist: Limiki Toonoo
Community: Cape Dorset
Medium: Soapstone
Dimensions (in): W3.5 x H 5.5 x D3.5
Reference: 108262
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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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Limiki Toonoo

Limiki Toonoo is a prominent Inuit artist renowned for his distinctive contributions to contemporary Inuit art. Born in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Toonoo has gained recognition for his striking sculptures and prints that explore themes of Inuit tradition, spirituality, and the natural world.
Toonoo’s work often features animals and figures from Inuit folklore, rendered with a modern sensibility that bridges traditional techniques and contemporary aesthetics. His sculptures are particularly noted for their intricate detailing and fluid forms, reflecting both the harsh Arctic environment and the rich cultural heritage of the Inuit people.
In addition to his sculpture work, Toonoo has also made significant contributions to the printmaking world, employing techniques that highlight the dynamic interplay between traditional Inuit imagery and modern artistic practices.