The spirits of all things
An Inuit shawman's mask
Traditional Inuit beliefs are a form of animism, according
to which all objects and living things or beings have a spirit.
The belief is that all things happen though the involvement of some spirit.
Spirits can affect people's lives and can be controlled by magical charms and
talismans.
Various taboos were observed to make sure that animal spirits were not
offended, and when animals were killed for food, it was done according to certain rituals.
Communal rites centered on preparation for the hunt as this was the most important activity for
survival in a hostile environment.
Although anyone with the appropriate charms or amulets could have some control over these spirits,
the person best equipped to control spirits was the shaman - the central
religious figure in traditional Inuit culture. His functions included blessing
the hunt, treating sickness, and providing advice in times of crisis.
offended, and when animals were killed for food, it was done according to certain rituals.
Communal rites centered on preparation for the hunt as this was the most important activity for
survival in a hostile environment.
Although anyone with the appropriate charms or amulets could have some control over these spirits,
the person best equipped to control spirits was the shaman - the central
religious figure in traditional Inuit culture. His functions included blessing
the hunt, treating sickness, and providing advice in times of crisis.