June 12, 2008
WAY FINDERS
The Inukshuk I found in my forest today.
For those who might ask, Inuksuit were originally directional markers left by the Inuit of the Canadian Arctic as they traveled across the barren tundra — a vast landscape where permafrost leaves few natural landmarks. The carefully-balanced stones have different meanings, and are a language of navigation with roots deep in the Inuit culture. The markers also signify safety, hope and friendship. They say that someone has walked this way, that you are not alone.
The inukshuk concept has been embraced by local hikers in these hills and woods, a form of impromptu art … a strange urge people seem to have, to pick stones up from the moss, feel their heft, and temperature and shape … to balance them carefully in often very complex ways. To tell someone they were here.
The sculptures stand for a day or so, then they are gone.
And to come across one in the silent, dripping forest feels somehow …. magical. Like a story.
Toni Anderson Says:
I love finding them. Even in gardens…we do have some rocks in our garden now I think of it…
Elaine Says:
Loreth, thanks for sharing this with us. Here, in NY, I’ve never heard about these stones, but what a fascinating insight to see how people through hundreds of years wanted to encourage others that they are not alone.
Elaine, who may have not commented in a while, but still checks in for a taste of life in BC
Loreth Says:
Good to ‘see’ you Elaine!!!