Transformation was a theme common to Inuit belief. The idea that a human could take on the shape of a bird, animal or spirit was a widely held belief of the ancient Inuit. Through his or her intercessions as an intermediary between humans and the world of spirits, the shaman was believed to be able to transform into birds or animals to gain understanding of life or to travel and perform tasks in these forms. He could also travel into the spirit through the use of his soul or spirit body.
