An Inuit bear

The bear is a very important animal in the life of Inuits.  It provides food etc but was believed to have a soul so there were lengthy propitiation rights when a bear was killed.  Some thought that a bear could take off his fur coat and become a human or even that reincarnation could occur between the two and carvings of bears had religious significance. 

Nowadays the carvings are more for making money and there is a culture of carving bears out of soft stones such as soap stone or serpentine.  The dancing bear is a popular model and this one was carved in Cape Dorset.  He stands on one leg and is a soft green colour and lovely to feel with his gorgeous round tummy!!

This is my contribution to Ingeborg's Mono Monday - Culture.  Thank you very much for hosting during September Inge!  Next month Dollykgray will be hosting.