Carved Wooden Ainu Bear, 1960s

Description

Wooden Ainu bear carved by a craftsman of the indigenous Ainu people living on the island of Hokkaido. Mark under … more Wooden Ainu bear carved by a craftsman of the indigenous Ainu people living on the island of Hokkaido. Mark under one paw indicating Shirao (the village where the bear was carved) ,Hokkaido.Japan,circa 1960-70. The bear is highly represented in this region of Hokkaido because in the animist religion of the Ainu people, the bear is the most important spirit, the master of the forest and the protector of all terrestrial life. less