Ikupasuy - Ainu Prayer Sticks
Left: Collected in 1928, Center & Right: Collected in late 1800s or early 1900s
Wood, lacquer (center)
Left to right: 34.7, 34.8, 33.9 cm long
Left to right: Cat. 235091, 132485, 132484
© The Field Museum
One of the most popular - and misunderstood - artifacts in Ainu collections around the world is the "mustache lifter", or prayer stick. The prayer stick on the left was donated by Mrs. A. W. F. Fuller in 1964. A wife of a British naval officer, she donated her late husband's collection that contained nearly 700 items from around the world. Seven of these artifacts were Ainu pieces collected in 1928. The other two prayer sticks were donated by Robert H. Baker's estate in 1912. These two prayer sticks were probably collected in Hokkaido during the late 1800s or early 1900s.
All prayer sticks are of similar length, as seen here, and almost all of them have a carved design. The two ends of the prayer stick were required to be carved with the family's chosen decoration so the spirits would know the identity of the worshipper. The space in the middle was left up to imagination; no two were alike. One end was left blunt while the other end was tapered. The tapered end would be used to collect sake (Japanese rice wine) or beer from cups. The alcohol would then be sprinkled as an offering to the spirits (more explanation on the process can be read here). Some prayer sticks would have small divots, or reservoirs, carved near the tapered end in order to collect more alcohol. The bottom of the stick is sometimes inscribed with the owner's name.
The prayer stick on the left shows the image of two black figures, most likely bears. This is important because animal figures were seldom used as artistic devices. It seems that the ceremonial crown (seen here) and the prayer stick were the two outlets where animal motifs were accepted. There is a large carved hump near the blunt end, perhaps made for use as a small handle.
The second prayer stick had been lacquered by a non-Ainu, Japanese artisan in black and red. The underside of the item has an inscribed small Japanese character, which denotes the end to be held by the right hand. This is curious because an Ainu person would probably know instinctively which end would be used.
The prayer stick on the right has been carved in a variety of different patterns and is a good example of what most Ainu prayer sticks generally look like.
(Commentary by Stev Weidlich)