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The Prayers of the Ainu People

  • Image of "Ritual Hoe-shaped Crests, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Messrs.Oda Shokichi and Izumi Rintaro)"

    Ritual Hoe-shaped Crests, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Messrs.Oda Shokichi and Izumi Rintaro)

    Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 15
    September 29, 2009 (Tue) - January 3, 2010 (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 influence 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 towards the gods for heeding their prayers.

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

 Major works in this exhibition

* Works listed below are in the TNM Collection unless otherwise indicated.
 Ritual Implements, Hokkaido Ainu, 20th century (Transferred from the Board of the Crown Prince's Affairs)
Necklace, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Inau (Ritual staff), Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Ritual Hoe-shaped Crests, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Messrs. Oda Shokichi and Izumi Rintaro)
Tray, Hokkaido Ainu, 19th century (Transferred from the Agency for International Expositions)
Five Stringed Harp, Sakhalin Ainu, 19th century (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Exhibitions