Hokkaido Library

Ainu Culture

Making of an inaw (sacred wooden stick)

Making of an inaw (sacred wooden stick)

Inaw is made by peeling the bark of willow, cornel or other trees and shaving it to form a tuft. It comes in different shapes and is used for various purposes, such as an offering to deities or a talisman against evil spirits, or an inaw itself is enshrined as a deity to protect the house.

photo courtesy: The Ainu Museum

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