Ainu Spiritual Beliefs
Ainu culture emphasizes reverence for nature. Ainu traditionally believe that the human world is visited by kamuy (spirits) that are found in everything, including mountains, valleys, fire, water, plants and animals. They also believe there is another realm beyond this world where the kamuy come from, and where they return after completing their work here. Ceremonies are held to thank these spirits and send them back to their realm. When Ainu hunters kill a bear—which is considered a kamuy of many things including the mountains—they hold a ceremony to thank it and see its spirit off. Other important kamuy include orcas, regarded as spirits of the sea, and the Blakiston’s fish owl, believed to be a protector of villages. An outdoor altar (nusasan) made of woven cattail is set up outdoors for ceremonies with offerings to the kamuy and a row of carved wooden ritual sticks (inaw), placed in front of the altar. A full-sized nusasan decorated with ritual objects is on display at the museum.