2 1/4" long plus the bail. Natural Iniskim (Amollite). Native People recognize the spiritual significance of the Iniskim: prosperity and good health to the person in contact with it.
Gemstone grade Iniskim only exists in the territory of the Kainai (Blood), the Pikuni (Peigan), and the Siksika (Blackfoot) Indians of Southern Alberta. Newly known as’Ammolite’ when the stone was given official gemstone status.
The Blackfoot tell a story of Iniskim. One very cold winter, the Tribe had nothing to eat because the buffalo herd hadn’t been in their area. A woman had a vision dream of a magical stone that would call the buffalo to them. The next day she was out searching for firewood when she heard a beautiful song. She followed the song to a cave where she found a brightly coloured stone. She was instructed to complete a ceremony. Afterwards a large herd came to graze beside the camp, and the hunters were able to acquire the food their people needed. To this day, Native people use Iniskim in ceremonial bundles.
