Inuit Creaton Myth of Aakuluujjusi

The first woman, Aakuluujjusi, transformed her trousers into a caribou. She gave the animal sharp teeth and long tusks. Then, taking off her jacket, she made a walrus with horns on its head. "But the Inuit took fright before these animals that attacked them on land and in the water: she therefore decided to interchange their horns and tusks, and kicking the forehead of the caribou she broke some of its teeth to render it inoffensive, and caused its eye sockets to bulge out to weaken its vision. She then said, 'Stay far away like true game.' But the caribou were now too quick for the hunters, so she reversed the direction of the hair on their bellies to slow them down."

These were the first big game animals of the Inuit. (Source)

Aakuluujjusi’s creation was a process. She didn’t create the perfect game animals on her first try. She looked at the results, sought feedback, and then adjusted. She created boldly, knowing that perfection wasn’t required.

Original painting available from Saatchi Art. Stickers, prints, and others merch available in shop or through RedBubble or Fine Art America.

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