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ANCIENT REPRESENTATIONS: CARVINGS LINKING THE HUMAN & SPIRITUAL WORLDS

BEAR
BIRD
FEMALE
FEMALE-ANIMAL


ANCIENT REPRESENTATIONS
INTERACTIVE TIMELINE

Bear Representations

The bear is human-like in its skeletal makeup and among ancient northern peoples was a powerful spirit being who could provide humans with assistance and protection. Carvings of the bear tended to represent the bear's spiritual powers.

Click on the carvings for curatorial information >>

Bear Sculpture, 985.205.16 The “pregnant” bear may reflect fertility and hunting success for the one who possesses the bear as a spirit helper.

Bear
Sculpture made of ivory
Possibly Thule (Neo-Eskimo)
Dating to about AD 1200-1600
Gift of John Moore

985.205.16

Bear Sculpture, 976.178.1  
 
 
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