The Prayers of the Northern Peoples

The Ainu people believed that in all of nature's endless phenomena, from the vast plateaus to the infinite expanse of the ocean, there resided a 'soul'. Also, they regarded as 'Gods' those things which were essential to human life or which were beyond human control and offered prayers to these Gods. They believed that without the provision and protection of the Gods, a stable life would be impossible, so in prayer they asked the Gods to ensure that peaceful times continued. Furthermore, they held rituals of prayer to express in words their gratitude to the Gods for heeding their wishes.

This exhibition features various items used by the Ainu and Uilta people, including ritual implements, such as inau, ikupasui and wooden bowls, together with the clothes and tools used in everyday life, giving us an insight into the ways the Northern people prayed to their Gods.