Inukshuk

An inukshuk (inuksuit in plural) is a man-made stone landmark that exists in the Arctic region of North America. They are made by Inuit, Inupiat, Kalaallit, Yupik, and other people living in the region.

Inukshuk

An inukshuk can be small or big, a single rock, several rocks balanced on each other, round stone or flat one. Each inukshuk is different, unique.

The largest inukshuk is located in the village of Schomberg, Ontario. Usually there is only one inukshuk existing at one location, but sequences of inuksuit can be found too.

Inukshuk

Inukshuk is built for all kind of purposes - as navigation or directional help, to mark a place of respect or memorial for a beloved person, to mark migration routes or places where fish can be found.

An inukshuk in the shape of a human being is called an inunnguaq. The directions of arms or legs could indicate the direction for navigation, or a valley for passage through the mountains. An inukshuk without arms, or with antlers added to it, would serve as a symbol for a store of food.

There is an inuksuk is on the flag and Coat of Arms of the Canadian territory of Nunavut, and the flag of Nunatsiavut (adopted by the Labrador Inuit Association).

Flag of the Canadian territory of Nunavut

An inunnguaq was an inspiration for the logo of the 2010 Winter Olympics designed by Vancouver artist Elena Rivera MacGregor.

Logo of the 2010 Winter Olympics