Carving, floating or flying bear 

 A large proportion of Dorset carvings represent the polar bear and the falcon, the consummate hunters of the Arctic world. Most of the carvings are perforated for attachment to a cord, and they may have been worn as personal amulets. It seems likely that these carvings did not depict real animals, but rather animal-spirits that helped hunters in pursuit of game. This interpretation is suggested by markings on the backs and sides of many carvings, which represent the skeleton seen through the body. In shamanistic thought, the skeleton symbolizes the soul, as both outlast the soft flesh of the body. Some of the carvings of animals are hollowed out on the underside, again appearing to depict a defleshed form, suggesting that the creatures have been divested of their earthly bodies. Spirit bears are most often depicted in a floating or flying posture, quite different from the walking or swimming postures of real bears. 

Catalogue no.:  Canadian Museum of Civilization NhHd-1:2655