I'noGo tied

Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory

The i'noGo tied seems to represent the Eskimo traditions in Miyax's life. When she gives it to Miyax, the bent woman tells her, "it's a nice little spirit for you," (2.9), and we learn later that these i'noGo tieds house the spirits of animals, like the whale that the hunters kill in seal camp.

The very same i'noGo tied that the bent woman gives Miyax is the one she throws away after being teased by Judith and Rose (2.47). Only now, out on the tundra, Miyax has made her own i'noGo tied out of her Amaroq totem. For one thing, it's not like there's anyone around to tease her for it. But honestly, it seems like those Eskimo traditions still have a special place in her heart, now more than ever.