Inuksuit Mark Ames Parks

Three Inuksuit, or Inuit stone sculptures, found in Ames City Parks won't be scaring any caribou and won't be necessary for marking any travelers' paths most winters. Unlike the Inuksuit found in the Canadian tundra, the Ames Inuksuit will have to contend with vandalism and occasional flooding, city workers said.

Peter Irniq, an artist, Inuit and former Canadian government official, built three stone Inuksuit throughout Ames in the past two weeks while teaching area students about his Inuit culture.

In the days before the works' dedication, Ames city workers stabilized the sculptures by filling holes drilled through rocks with steel rods and epoxy, ensuring they will stand the test of time. 

In the Canadian tundra the stacks stand on their own. In fact, the stone stacking has become a habit in some parts of Canada so much so that park officials have to dismantle the sculptures so that hikers don't go the wrong direction.

The Inuit originally built Inuksuit to guide travelers, assist hunters and mark sacred places. They are a cultural artifact but they are also art, said Sam Stagg, Ames Public Arts Commission chair.

The works were commissioned by the City of Ames, which made $15,000 available for the project. Irniq also received $4,000 for his work, travel and lodging.

When searching for an artist to include in the Arts in the Park initiative, Stagg said members looked for an environmental artist who used natural materials and had a connection to the environment and would build something lasting.

Irniq's work is a blend of both cultural artifact and art, he said.

Irniq's Inuksuit weren't built to resemble people but instead include a window for people to look through. In Irniq's culture the Inuksuit with windows were used to point out fishing and hunting areas.

Sculptures can be found in , , and Emma McCarthy parks.