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Altar (nusasan)
HI 5345   Nibutani, Hokkaido
Altar

The window on the east wall of a traditional Ainu house represented the doorway for their gods. The altar was called nusasan and was set up outdoors, where it was visible through the doorway window. Shaved-wood objects called inaw were set up around the altar. This exhibit reproduces the final scene of the Iomante, an important ritual to send souls of bears to the spirit world (Kamuy Mosir). The inaw of different shapes and sizes were devoted to different deities.

Feathered robe | Attus robe | Nettle robe | Robe made of fish skin | Robe with stitched cloths |
Traditional Ainu house | Altar (nusasan) | Necklace of Ainu beads | Women’s knife | Wooden tray

Aynu (Ainu) Mosir
New Ainu Law

Related links:
Special Exhibition “A Message from the Ainu: Craft and Spirit” (January 8 - February 15, 2004)
Special Exhibition “The Sea Otter and Glass Beads: Trade of Indigenous Peoples of the North Pacific Rim” (September 20, 2001 - January 15, 2002)