Shaman's belt

Shamans, called angakkuit in Inuktitut, hold a special position within their group. Both feared and respected, these men and women have traditionally served as mediators between the community and the spirit world. In the Central Arctic, the angakkuq traditionally wore a distinctive belt and headdress. The model knives dangling from the belt were gifts from people who the shaman had helped or who were hoping to receive favours. As the angakkuq moved, the tinkling of the ornaments awakened spirits and heightened awareness of the shaman's presence and power.