2006.9.1 (Fetish)

2006.9.1 (Fetish) image

Small figurine of carved ivory. The figurine is of a human female in standing position with arms to the side. The coloration of the figurine varies in areas.
Small ivory figurine of a human/person. Their hands are connected in front of them. They are in a standing position. Facial features are not defined and there is no hair or clothing on the figurine. The head is very round. Sent to UNI from Pagosa Springs, CO.
Mysterious use historically: some think they were used as good luck charms while hunting, others think they were used as game pieces. Some people believed the figurines to be connected to life and death. Within Inuit culture and beliefs, each living thing has a tarniq, a soul, that consists of a miniature image of that living thing. The miniature image of the living thing produces the living thing itself. Most modern Inuit are now Christian and reject the idea of fetish figurines being used as good luck charms or protection amulets. Would be carried with them on their person. The Inuit were nomadic, and therefore they carried with them what they could. To carry a personal item such as a fetish figure indicated wealth and status. This nomadic lifestyle is also the reason for the small size of the figurines. Some fetish figurines have holes, indicating they were worn as jewelry. Fetish figurines could have been used as toys, to teach children how to be adults, and therefore would have symbolized transformation.

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2006.9.1 (Fetish) image
2006.9.1 (Fetish) image
2006.9.1 (Fetish) image