with AINU CRAFTS.｜AINU CRAFTS

Brand

Handicrafts that offer gratitude and prayers to all things in nature

with AINU CRAFTS.

• 2021
• Ainu Crafts

History

The proud culture of the Ainu people

The Ainu people were the first people to inhabitant the northern part of the Japanese archipelago including Hokkaido

In the past, there were many tribes living in the surrounding area that formed their own language and culture, and had active interactions with each other.

In the spiritual world of the Ainu, it is believed that everything in nature has a soul, and the creatures and phenomena with the strongest influence and power are called "kamui" (gods).

For example, animals, plants, fire, water, wind, mountains, and rivers are all kamui whom come to the human world bringing meat, skins, plants, and trees as souvenirs.

The Ainu people lived by praying to the kamui, giving thanks for the blessings of nature, and incorporating as many products as they needed for food, clothing, and shelter while trading freely with the surrounding peoples with their creative handicrafts and harvests from nature.

However, the Ainu way of life began to face many challenges starting in the 17th century.

The Ainu identity as a people was gradually taken away from them as they were restricted not only in their trading locations, but also in their residential areas, language, and traditional customs.

Today, the Ainu have overcome this adversity and are striving to create a society where their unique pride is once again respected by restoring and passing-on Ainu traditions and culture through many new new undertakings.

Characteristic

Delicate and outstanding Ainu craftsmanship

Ainu crafts were born from the tools and clothing they used to survive and thrive, drawing on the wisdom and knowledge gained from the harsh natural environment of the north.

Outstanding woodworking skills were developed while making and caring for tools for hunting, fishing, and gathering.

The tools used in cherished rituals and festivals also played a major role in enhancing craft skills.

Another distinctive feature of the region is the development of techniques for making clothing and weaving textiles and mats from natural products such as animal pelts, fish skins, bird feather skins, grass fibers, and tree bark.

The delicate patterns embroidered on clothing and carved into wooden crafts hold special meaning to the user, and feature distinct characteristics depending on the region they are made.

For Customers

How Ainu crafts can impact the world

The Ainu believe that everything in nature has a soul and have always valued coexistence with all things in this world.

The Ainu are grateful for the blessings of nature, do not take more than is necessary, and have lived while interacting harmoniously among tribes in the region.

This worldview, which has been passed down from generation to generation, is relevant to today's society, which is striving for sustainability.

with. AINU CRAFTS aims to familiarize people with traditional Ainu techniques, materials, and patterns so that Ainu culture can become better known.

To this end, the project was launched with the desire to create new craft products that many people can incorporate into their daily lives.

Through new Ainu products that combine delicate and beautiful traditional techniques with fresh and futuristic perspectives, we hope to build an ethical society that recognizes diversity and allows all beings to coexist.