Craft born of a dialog with nature
Inherited skills and the beauty of Ainu patterning

The Ainu culture is a spiritual one full of respect for mountains, rivers, plants, and animals, with a belief that everything in nature has a soul.
The tools, clothes, and other products of Ainu handicraft that have been carefully preserved and handed down through generations to today are not simply "craft." They are the shaped by their creators with gratitude and respect to the spirits of nature, the kamuy, for the raw materials and blessings of nature they bestow.

Many Nibutani Ainu Crafts are decorated with exquisite patterns. These patterns have been handed down since their creation back in the time when woodcarving was considered men's work, and embroidery was for women. Basic patterns include morew-noka (spirals), ay-us-noka (thorny shapes), and sik-noka (eye shapes), and combining them allows for the creation of intricate graphical designs. This means that artists can preserve these traditions while still expressing themselves by arranging them in original designs. Patterns also show regional variation, and in Nibutani, for example, the woodcarving scale pattern called ramram-noka is a local characteristic.

Although there is some regional variation in interpretation, as well, it was a common Ainu belief that evil could enter through the openings of kimono collars and sleeves. The embroidery around those areas was sewn there in hopes it would offer protection from evil to keep wearers safe, and so the patterns have grown to carry that meaning as well. The artisan created these designs with a certain user in mind and with a prayer to the kamuy, so patterns differ from one maker to another and no two are alike.
Ainu patterns are thus not only aesthetically pleasing, but also an expression of one's innermost feelings, and of gratitude to the kamuy.

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