Life of the Ainu People

The Ainu people have long dwelled in the harsh climate of the Japanese archipelago's northernmost regions, including Hokkaido and its neighboring islands, worshipping and living in harmony with nature.

The Ainu traditionally lived in villages of square single-room wooden huts known as chise. Each chise was equipped with its own storehouse, animal pen, altar, and toilet. While chise design varied regionally, standard features included a central fireplace, the head seat at the furthest location from the entrance, and a corner alcove for storing treasured possessions. Inside the huts, men would mend hunting tools and make ritual implements such as iku-pasui and inau, while women would make garments and mats, and prepare meals.

This exhibition introduces the traditional Ainu way of life through an array of weaving tools, fabrics and garments, as well as wooden utensils and models of Ainu houses and boats.