Hand-carved Ainu Wall Decoration 'Bears,' Shōwa Era, Hokkaido, Japan.

Beautiful hand-carved wooden wall decoration depicting a mother bear and her cub.

This wood carving originates from Hokkaido, where the Ainu people reside, the indigenous population of Japan.

Ainu wood carving often features the bear as a theme. The reverse side of this wall decoration is signed and dated (21/10/43).

Dimensions: height 25.5 cm, width 38 cm, depth 3 cm.

The Ainu are an indigenous people in Japan, primarily located in the northern regions of Hokkaido, the Kuril Islands, and parts of the Russian Far East. They have a distinctive culture, language, and history that differs from the majority of the Japanese population. The Ainu language is an isolate, meaning it is not clearly related to any other known language.

Historically, the Ainu engaged in hunting, fishing, and gathering, with a deep spiritual connection to nature. Their traditional clothing, tattoos, and wood carvings are notable elements of Ainu culture. Throughout history, the Ainu faced discrimination and assimilation policies, but recent efforts have been made to recognize and preserve their cultural heritage.

In 2019, the Japanese government officially recognized the Ainu as an indigenous people of Japan, marking a step towards acknowledging and preserving their unique cultural identity. Ainu culture is rich in rituals, music, dance, and symbolic artifacts, making a valuable contribution to Japan's diverse cultural landscape.