Pinga facts for kids

Pinga is an important goddess in the Inuit religion. Her name means "the one who is [up on] high." She is known as a goddess of the hunt and medicine. Pinga is also strongly connected to the sky.

Who is Pinga?

Pinga is a powerful spirit in Inuit beliefs. She helps hunters and healers. She is often seen as a sky goddess. People believe she watches over the world from above.

Pinga and the Caribou

In some Inuit communities, especially among the Caribou Inuit, Pinga was very important for hunting. She looked after the caribou herds. These animals were vital for survival. People believed Pinga would get upset if hunters took more caribou than they needed. This taught people to respect nature and only hunt what they could use.

Pinga's Role in Guiding Spirits

Pinga also had a special job. She was believed to help the spirits of people who had passed away. She would guide them to their next journey. This role made her a very respected figure.

Communicating with Pinga

Inuit spiritual leaders, called Angakkuit (shamans), sometimes communicated with Pinga. They might see her in visions or receive messages from spirits she sent. This connection helped the community understand her wishes.

Pinga and Sila

Some Caribou Inuit thought Pinga and another spirit called Sila were very similar. Sila is the spirit of the air and weather. Other communities saw Pinga and Sila as different. This shows how Inuit beliefs could vary slightly from place to place.