Shamanism in Inuit Art

A brief summary of Lorne Balshine’s presentation

Shamanism dates back some 14,000 years. It originated in Siberia and was based on hunting/gathering societies. It was actively practiced until the mid-20th century when it was banned during the 1950’s and 1960’s by missionaries who attempted to convert the Inuit to Christianity.

Because of the primitive nature of the societies which practiced it, shamanism was based on fear, specifically fear of the unknown such as the weather or the availability of game which had the ability to impact the society’s very survival. The assumption was that everything, both animate and inanimate, was imbued with a spirit. The shaman had the ability to get in touch with these spirits (e.g., the polar bear) and use them to help heal the sick, provide food, etc.

An individual had to apprentice to a shaman to become one. Both men and women could serve in this role. In order to communicate and take on a “oneness” with animals and other objects to enhance survival, the shaman went into a séance which was accompanied by drumming and singing. The shaman was frequently bound during the seance to prevent his/her spirit from going completely into the spirit world.

Shamans were frequently depicted in prints and carvings not only as part animal, but in skeletal form. The skeleton was felt to be a symbol of rebirth. It also depicted the fact that the shaman is all-seeing and can see “beyond the flesh.” Shamans were also often depicted with a single eye which is similar to the “third eye” found in Buddhism. It is the eye that allows one to see beyond the tangible.