These carefully balanced creatures suggest the angakoq poised between heaven and earth, ready for transformation and flight.  A shamanic bear can be recognized by a short thick neck, the one remaining sign of human identity.  

The Inuit believe that after death they return as an animal, thus continuing the chain of life. The Bear represents the “king” of the Arctic animal kingdom so to return as a polar bear is the most favored choice.  Returning as a polar bear the Inuk is happy and dances to show pleasure of joy … this is the legend of the dancing bear.

IS 2006 004