Story of the Dancing Bear

The Dancing Bear is a very popular motif in Inuit sculpture. The form of a Dancing Bear is one that can be dynamically expressed with joy and often impressive feats of balance. Below is an explanation of the popular symbol of reincarnation as written by Danial Quma Angiju:

These carefully balanced creatures suggest the angakoq poised between heaven and earth, ready for transformation and flight. A shamanic bear can be recognized by a short thick neck, the one remaining sign of human identity. The Inuit believe that after death they return as an animal … thus continuing the chain of life. The Bear represents the “king” of the Arctic animal kingdom so to return as a polar bear is the most favored choice. Returning as a polar bear the Inuk is happy and dances to show pleasure of joy. 

Visit our gallery today to see more stunning examples of the Dancing Bear sculpted in soapstone:

Indianica
79 Rue St. Paul Est
Montreal, QC
H2Y 3R1

Story of the Inukshuk

Inukshuk sculpture in soapstone

The inukshuk (or inuksuit) is a symbol that is widely recognized in Canada but rarely understood. It was recently chosen as the official 2010 Vancouver Olympic symbol, but it is much more than a mascot and its tradition runs deep in Inuit culture. Often, in our gallery, guests from all corners of the earth will exclaim, "Ah! I know this symbol but...what does it mean?" Below, please find a brief history, as taken from The Silent Messengers by Norman Hallendy.


Figures made of stone called inuksuit are amongst the most important objects created by the Inuit who were the first people to inhabit portions of Alaska, Arctic Canada, and Greenland. The term inukshuk (the singular of inuksuit) means "to act in the capacity of a human". It is an extension of Inuk meaning "a human being". 

These stone figures were placed on the temporal and spiritual landscapes. Among many practical function, they were employed as hunting and navigation aids, coordination points, indicators, and message centers. The Inuit also constructed a stone figure called an inunnguaq which means "in the likeness of a human". In addition to their earthly functions, certain inukshuk-like figures had spiritual connotations, and were objects or veneration, often marking the threshold of the spiritual landscape of the Inummariit-the Inuit who knew how to survive on the land living the traditional way. 

So compelling was the desire of the Inummariit to create inuksuit that they appear not only on the earthly landscape but in legends and stories, in figures that emerge from movements of fingers playing string games, and in a winter-sky constellation. 


Many Inuit who lived most of their lives on the land retain a strong attachment to inuksuit believed to have been built by their ancestors. Some of these "old" inuksuit are mentioned in Aya-yait, the traveling songs passed from one generation to the next to help travelers remember a series of directions for long trips. Often these old inuksuit are venerated regardless of their function. Even today, the appearance of familiar inuksuit on the landscape is a welcome sight when one is a long way from home. 


Whether they symbolize their maker, acted in his capacity, or were the object of veneration, inuksuit functioned as helpers and messengers created by an infinite arrangement of stones. They were an integral part of the hunters' language and endure as indelible signatures upon the Arctic landscape.


We are pleased to feature a delightful variety of inukshuk sculpture hand crafted in soapstone by Inuit artists in our gallery and online. Please visit sometime to learn more and see for yourself!

Indianica
79 Rue St. Paul Est
Montreal, QC

Story of the Dream Catcher

Natural Dream Catcher

The dreamcatcher is one of the most iconic symbols of native culture and its legend is one that can be appreciated by all. Below is a sample of the dreamcatcher story, the essence of which translates across not only tribes but all cultures: Good dreams should allowed into our sleep and Bad Dreams must be trapped in the web and held from the dreamer.

We are pleased to offer a variety dreamcatchers adorned with various stones and feathers in our shop and online. 

A STORY OF THE DREAMCATCHER

by Finder

Long ago in the days of the ancestors, some of the children of the people were having strange, frightening dreams.  As the children talked to other children, the troubling dreams spread among them like a plague. The parents of the children were concerned. The people wanted their children to be happy but they didn’t know what to do. The people went to talk to the shaman. The shaman listened patiently as the parents told him about their distress.

The shaman told the parents that he could help. But he would need to spend some time in counsel with the spirits before he would have a solution.  The shaman would have to enter the dream world to find the answer. Upon entering the dream world the shaman was approached by the four elements: Air, Earth, Water and Fire. Air had already heard of the parent’s concern, and had carried the message on the wind to the other elements.

All the spirits in the dream world loved the children and wanted to help return the children to their state of peaceful sleep. The elements and the shaman dreamed together for a long time. They finally came to understand that:

Air could carry the children’s dreams

Water could wash and separate dreams Earth could hold the dreams within her hoop.

Beaded Dream Catcher

Fire could use the morning sun to burn up the unwanted dreams that are caught in the web.

Now all they needed was something to capture the dreams as they were carried by the air. Try as they might, the shaman and the elements could not think of a way to catch the dreams.

Grandmother Spider had been listening!

She said, "Beautiful, loving elements, I can help you as you help me every day." Grandmother Spider continued, "I can weave a special web that only wanted dreams can escape down to the dreamer."

And so she did, and the first Dreamcatcher was made.

The shaman brought the dreamcatcher with him when he made his journey back from the dream world.All of the families of the people made dreamcatchers. The families hung them above where the children slept, in a place that was seen by the sun. No longer were the children troubled by unwanted dreams. Instead they had happy dreams and peaceful sleep.


And so, at last, Great Spirit looked into the dreams of the children and smiled.

Generations Dream Catcher

Indianica
79 Rue St. Paul Est
Montreal, QC
H2Y 3R1