“Inukshuk,” isn’t a word you hear often, unless you’re Canadian or of the Inuit people. According to the Canadian Encyclopedia:
“An inukshuk is a figure made of piled stones or boulders constructed to communicate with humans throughout the Arctic. Traditionally constructed by the Inuit, inuksuit are integral to Inuit culture and are often intertwined with representations of Canada and the North.”
“Inuksuit have been found close to archaeological sites dating from 2400 to 1800 BCE in the Mingo Lake region of southwest Baffin Island… Among their many practical functions, they are used as hunting and navigational aids, coordination points and message centres.”
Today, its purpose is more symbolic than functional. Because it looks like a little person, its image has become a popular cross-cultural symbol. An inuksuk is the centrepiece of the flag and coat of arms of the Canadian territory of Nunavut, and the flag of Nunatsiavut as well as serving as a mainstream Canadian national symbol. It is also a symbol of both the city of Vancouver and the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.
This painting is based on the inukshuk on English Bay in the city of Vancouver.