Trade Ceremony between Ainu and Japanese (detail), By Hirasawa Byozan, Dated 1871 (Private collection, On exhibit from May 24, 2016)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 16
April 12, 2016 (Tue) - July 10, 2016 (Sun)
The Ainu people believed that everything in their rich natural environment, from the vast plateaus of their native northern landscapes to the infinite expanse of the ocean, possessed a soul. Things which were essential to human life and beyond human capability were regarded as deities and worshipped. The Ainu believed that a stable lifestyle would be impossible without the provision and protection of the gods. They prayed for a life of continued peace, and held rituals to verbally express their gratitude toward the gods for heeding their prayers.
This exhibition features ritual items used by the Ainu people, including crowns and necklaces, as well as implements such as inau, iku-pasui, and wooden figurines. There are also various implements that were used in the ceremonial sacrifices of bears. Together with paintings of Ainu, these objects give us insight into how the Ainu people prayed to their gods.
Current exhibit includes:
Shitoki (Necklace), Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century
Sword Mounting, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century
Coat, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Transferred from the Bureau for the Vienna World Exposition, On exhibit through May 22, 2016)
Coat, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Ms. Hirako Hatsu, On exhibit from May 24, 2016)
Ikupasui (Conveyer of wine and prayers to gods), Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Transferred from the Bureau for the Vienna World Exposition)
Cup Stand, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, On exhibit from May 24, 2016)
"Sending off the Bear's Spirit" Ceremony, By Hirasawa Byozan, Dated 1871 (Private collection, On exhibit through May 22, 2016)
Trade Ceremony between Ainu and Japanese, By Hirasawa Byozan, Dated 1871 (Private collection, On exhibit from May 24, 2016)