hokkaido ainu

The focus of my research is Iomante, a ceremonial folk tradition of the Hokkaido Ainu. Iomante is considered one of the most sacred ceremonies. Most often, a Bear's spirit is sent back to the god who takes the shape of a bear through a death ceremony. This website will examine the significance of this, the context in which it takes place, the structure of the ceremony, and the material and oral traditions that are involved. This tradition is one of the most well-known of the Ainu, as many people travel to Hokkaido to watch the ceremony as a tourist attraction.