Ainu Crafts

Ainu crafts represent the traditional artisan skills of the Ainu people of Japan, emphasizing natural materials and cultural symbolism. These crafts include intricate embroidery on clothing, such as silver-threaded designs, as well as wood carvings, particularly of bears, which hold spiritual significance. Other crafts feature woven textiles, statement jewelry, and decorated items used in rituals and daily life. These works reflect the Ainu’s deep connection to nature, spiritual beliefs, and their history, serving both functional and ceremonial purposes. Today, Ainu crafts are celebrated as vital expressions of cultural identity and heritage.