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Double Punuk Spirit Helper

Adapted from a Punuk style Old Bering Sea ivory figurine. One side is male the other, female.

These amulet pieces are inspired by the beauty of the small ancient figurines found in many places in the Arctic and throughout the world. These figurines were made and used in many ancient cultures as symbols of spiritual power and fertility. Added to this is the concept of “helping spirits” in which a person, often a shaman, feels a union with a particular animal, that spirit becoming his helping spirit. Among hunting peoples, spirit helpers served as tangible links among the hunters, their prey and the spirit world.

To me, spirit helpers are both ancient and modern. They are small helpmates to give us courage and hope and to aid us in spiritual, emotional or physical regeneration, healing, growth or serenity.