ICONIC?
Yes, you could say iconic.
Found throughout Canada's Arctic in various configurations, the inukshuk has become an icon. Through marketing it has become an image of perceived friendship and togetherness. No wonder VANOC accepted the design and it also helped that an existing inukshuk has been planted on English Bay since the 1986 World fair.
A few years ago, I wrote an article on the different meanings of the various types of Inukshuit (plural) based on an Aboriginal (Inuit) Elders knowledge. Basically, there were Inukshuit built to give direction and for hunting purposes. For the purpose of hunting, mainly caribou, the Inuit built Inukshuit that resembled a person, thus the two arms and two legs. These would have been built in strategic areas such as significant migratory routes. When the caribou would see these Inukshuit that looked like people, they would be frightened and steered in the direction of awaiting hunters. In the end, the Inuit would harvest (kill) the rushing caribou and skin and store its meat for the up-coming winter.
IRONIC?
Yes, you could say ironic.
Given the style and meaning of the inukshuk VANOC had chosen, it is ironic to think that they think that image is of friendship and togetherness. I guess marketing goes a long way even if it is misleading and misinterpreted.
All the best to VANOC and a successful 2010 games. GO CANADA! (not just for the hockey team but especially our x-country skiers....who knows, my son, Jess, may be there.)
