Portfolio > Inuksuit

An inuksualuk* is an especially large type of inuksuit, traditional stone landmarks built by Arctic peoples of North America. Inuksuit historically served as message centers and waypoints for travelers. In the Inuktitut language, adding the suffix -aluk means "large," "great," or "old”. Ancient landmarks like this contain their own history, stories, or protective spirits. During the brief arctic summer, tiny plants emerge in the shelter of these ancient stone sculptures**.

*Hallendy, N. (2000). Inuksuit: Silent Messengers of the Arctic. Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre Ltd. p. 58.
**Hallendy, N. (2009). Tukiliit: the Stone People Who Live in the Wind. Fairbanks: University of Alaska Press. p 27.