This richly illustrated volume presents the most in-depth treatise available on the Ainu, the native people of northern Japan.
William Fitzhugh is the Director of the Arctic Studies Center-Smithsonian Institution.
Ainu, a term meaning "humans," is used by native peoples of northern Japan to refer to themselves. Formerly, the Ainu also inhabited the Kurile Islands, southern Sakhalin Island, and a portion of northern Honshu, but now their only homeland is Hokkaido. This book, which accompanied an exhibit at the Smithsonian's Arctic Studies Center, is the most in-depth treatise available on Ainu prehistory, material culture, and ethnohistory. The clearly written text is divided into six parts, each dealing with an aspect of Ainu culture and each authored or coauthored by noted authorities of Ainu prehistory and culture and benefiting from contributions by Ainu scholars themselves. Included are chapters on theories regarding Ainu origins prehistory; the early scholars of Ainu culture, such as Hiram Hiller and Jenichiro Oyabe; religion and cultural practices; and material culture. Perhaps most significant is the last part of the book,which addresses Ainu social and cultural issues, maintenance of traditional cultural practices, and the future of Ainu language. Recommended for all larger public libraries and academic libraries.DJohn E. Dockall, Bernice P. Bishop Museum, Honolulu Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.
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