The dancing bear is a recurring theme in Inuit art. The meaning of a dancing bear can be simply a naturalistic depiction of a playful animal. Some dancing bears are also a symbol of reincarnation. Experiencing the afterlife as a polar bear is the most favoured choice, therefore some carvings express the joy of the second return.
Finally, a dancing bear can represent a disguised shaman poised between heaven and earth. If the shaman needed to appease the spirits he would meet with them in the form of an animal or bird. If he needed to be strong, he would transform into a polar bear. Since the transformation would usually occur during the ritual drum dancing, most shamanistic dancing bear carvings show the bear drumming.
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