The Living Stone

Much as with the ancient Egyptians for the inundation of the Nile, the Inuit people pray to their god for the safe return of the Sun after the long Arctic winter. Safely ensconced in their igloo, a family shelter heated and lit by their seal-oil fire and lamp, whilst the father carefully and skilfully carves a tiny statue of the sea spirit whom they hope will soon bless them with plenty of seals to eat and to fuel their lives. As summer arrives, the family can get out into the daylight to hunt, to play and to drink the fresh meltwater as the ice gradually retreats. This thaw allows them to take to their kayaks and fish as well as to select some more stones, washed smooth by centuries of running water, from which to make more sculptures - perhaps a bird, a bear or a seal. Their effigies are remarkably detailed and we are presented with a great variety of these delicate artworks here. As the summer gets into full swing, the tribe celebrate a young man's first catch and the longest day with their equivalent of a ceilidh before the spirit of the snowdrift arrives to drive them all back indoors. I slept in an igloo once - with battery powered lights, and it is remarkable just how warm they are even when it's -20° outside. I am not sure I'd want to spend six months in one, though!