Decorative Designs of the Ainu People

This display features elaborate designs the Ainu people used to decorate their garments and daily utensils. Garment designs were rendered from pieces of cotton cloth and dyed embroidery. Wooden objects such as trays, makiri knife mountings, and tobacco cases were decorated with minutely carved patterns. Women decorated using cloth and needles, and men engraved designs with makiri knives. The Ainu designs featured include whirl patterns called morew and brace-like patterns known as ayus. The Ainu people held rituals and dances wearing garments and holding objects decorated with these designs.