Inau: The Sacred Prayer Sticks of the Ainu People
When travelers venture into the snowy, rugged landscapes of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, they encounter a culture distinct from the shrines and temples of Kyoto. This is the land of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan, whose spiritual life is deeply rooted in animism—the belief that everything in nature has a spirit, or Kamuy.
Central to this worldview is a unique, hand-carved wooden object known as the Inau. Often mistaken by tourists as mere decorative kindling or abstract art, the Inau is actually a divine messenger. It serves as a spiritual conduit, bridging the gap between the human world (Ainu Mosir) and the world of the gods (Kamuy Mosir).
Origins and Craftsmanship
The Art of the Shave
The creation of an Inau is a ritual in itself, traditionally performed by men. It is not carved in the sense of removing wood to form a shape; rather, it is shaved. Using a specialized knife called a makiri, the carver shaves thin layers of wood from a branch, leaving the shavings attached at one end so they curl naturally. These curled shavings are called kike.
Sacred Materials
Not just any wood can become an Inau. The selection of the tree is paramount and depends on the specific deity being addressed. Willow (Salix) is the most common choice due to its flexibility and bright, white wood, which symbolizes purity and life. Dogwood and Amur cork trees are also used for specific rituals. The process requires a focused mind; a poorly carved Inau is considered an insult to the Kamuy and may result in ignored prayers.
The Legend of the Messenger
In Ainu mythology, the relationship between humans and gods is reciprocal. Humans pray and offer wine and food to the Kamuy, and in return, the Kamuy provide game, protection, and good health. However, there is a communication barrier.
The Tongue of the Gods
According to oral tradition, the gods cannot directly understand human speech, nor can they physically consume the offerings made by humans. The Inau solves this. The curled shavings (kike) are believed to act as tongues. When a human prays over an Inau, the stick translates the message into a language the Kamuy can understand.
Furthermore, when sake or food is offered, it is sprinkled onto the Inau. The spirit of the offering attaches to the Inau, which then travels to Kamuy Mosir. Without the Inau, the gods would receive nothing, leading to their displeasure. Thus, the Inau is not just a symbol; it is the essential vehicle of spiritual transaction.
Inau in Modern Culture
For decades, Ainu practices were suppressed by assimilation policies, pushing rituals involving Inau into the shadows. However, the 21st century has seen a profound cultural revitalization. Today, the Inau stands as a symbol of Ainu identity and resilience.
Ceremonial Revival
Inau are prominently featured in the Iyomante (Spirit-Sending Ceremony), one of the most important Ainu rituals. While traditional large-scale sacrifices are rare today, re-enactments and modified ceremonies are performed to honor the spirits and educate younger generations. In these events, dozens of Inau are lined up on a nusa (an outdoor altar) to welcome the deities.
The Role of Museums
Establishments like the Upopoy (National Ainu Museum and Park) in Shiraoi, Hokkaido, have brought Inau into the global spotlight. Here, visitors can watch master carvers demonstrate the intricate shaving techniques that have been passed down for centuries, transforming a simple willow branch into a bushy, sacred artifact in minutes.
Traveler’s Tips: Experiencing Ainu Culture
If you are planning a trip to Japan and wish to explore this aspect of indigenous culture, keep these tips in mind:
- Where to Go: The best places to see authentic Inau are the Lake Akan Ainu Kotan and the town of Nibutani (Biratori). Nibutani is particularly famous for its woodworking heritage.
- Etiquette: If you see Inau displayed outdoors on an altar (nusa), usually designated by a fence, do not touch them. They are active religious objects. Treat them with the same respect you would a Shinto shrine mirror or a Christian cross.
- Souvenirs: While you cannot buy a consecrated ritual Inau, many artisans sell decorative versions or wood carvings inspired by the technique. Purchasing these supports local Ainu craftspeople.
- Workshops: Look for cultural workshops at Lake Akan where you can learn to handle a makiri and try wood shaving yourself under the guidance of an Ainu elder.
Sources & Further Reading
To truly understand the depth of the Ainu spiritual world, one must look beyond standard Japanese history.
- Ainu Oral Traditions: Unlike the Japanese Yamato court, which codified their mythology in the Kojiki (712 CE) and Nihon Shoki (720 CE), the Ainu relied on oral epics known as Yukar. However, comparative studies often draw parallels between the Ainu Inau and the Shinto Gohei (paper streamers), suggesting a shared ancient animistic root in the Japanese archipelago.
- Historical Context: While the Nihon Shoki refers to the Emishi (people of the east/north, likely ancestors of the Ainu) as “hairy people” living beyond the emperor’s reach, modern archaeology and Ainu scholarship provide a corrective lens to these ancient texts, highlighting a rich, independent culture.
- Recommended Author: Works by Kayano Shigeru, such as Our Land Was A Forest, offer an insider’s perspective on the importance of Inau in daily life.