HEIKKI WILLAMO
Looking for Elk Elk migrated to the new, tree-covered landmass of Finland. Centuries later they were followed and hunted by stone-age man, for whom the elk was the biggest and most important quarry – a sustainer of life, yet also much more that that. Throughout the northern coniferous forest belt, elk myths tell of a strong animal deity: it carried the sun on its back during its daily wanderings; it was a potent shamanic animal, a totem-like support to tribes and families; it was strongly connected to man’s fate. The elk was sacred. Of necessity it was killed, but in various rites was brought back to the eternal cycle of life. It is only from rock-paintings and some stone-age carvings that we know of the significance of the elk in ancient times – the rest is shrouded in the mists of time. Nevertheless, from ancient images it is still possible to sense something that has been lost. The sacred being touches us, it stretches out its hand and invites us play with our thoughts and views. The elk has not changed, but we have.
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Heikki Willamo