VINTAGE LARGE HOKKAIDO JAPAN JAPANESE AINU HAND CARVED WOOD BEAR WITH SALMON

Vintage, intricately, hand carved wood, black bear with salmon / fish in its mouth, from Hokkaido, Japan. “This wooden Ainu bear carving, stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Ainu people of Hokkaido, Japan. Carved with exquisite detail and craftsmanship, this sculpture captures the essence of Ainu reverence for nature and their deep connection to the land and sea. The history of the Ainu bear is intertwined with the Ainu's spiritual beliefs and way of life. The Ainu people, indigenous to the northern regions of Japan, have long revered the bear as a sacred animal, viewing it as a symbol of strength, wisdom, and protection. Bears held a central place in Ainu rituals, with ceremonies conducted to honor and communicate with these powerful creatures. In Ainu mythology, the bear is often depicted as a divine being, capable of transcending the boundaries between the human and spiritual realms. The Ainu bear carving, with its fish offering, reflects this reverence for the natural world and the intricate relationship between humans and animals in Ainu culture." (See photos for details) Purchased in Japan. It has been in climate controlled storage for decades. Comes from a pet and smoke free home. Size: 7” tall x 12” x 9.5”