Posted by Kenjiro on August 06, 1998 at 11:46:31:
In Reply to: "AINU - IOMANTE": Munakata-like print identification posted by Virginia Lincove on July 13, 1998 at 16:41:17:
: Help! What is it?
: Large black and white print, approx. 36 in. X 28 in. on thin paper;
: rectangular red seal with first 2 characters (reading right to left) "ka" and what looks like a Z;
: "AINU" at top left and "IOMANTE" at top right;
: two bearded hunters with bows pointing at tied-up dancing? bear;
: small Husky-type dog and outdoor cooking/smoking set-up? with fish and "shishkabob";
: bird in tree, bird flying, butterfly, flowers, etc.
: Is Iomante a native group like Ainu?
: Any assistance will be appreciated.
"Iomante" is a religious ceremony practiced by the Ainu (and related peoples like the Emishi of
northern Honshu)where a bear is sacrificed to release its spirit to heaven. A captured bear cub was
lovingly raised in a village until it attained juvenile age at which time it was caged, beaten, and
sacrificed in an elaborate ritual.