Ikupasuy

Ikupasuy are wooden, carved ceremonial sticks used by Ainu men when making offerings to spirits.

The central section of an ikupasuy is decorated, featuring animals, floral motives as well as abstract designs.

The ends of an ikupasuy bear designs that represent the patriarchal lineage of the owner.

The Ainu believe that the designs on the ends of the ikupasuy help the spirits in identifying the person who made the offering.

[1] The libation process is performed when the ikupasuy's ‘tongue' placed into a lacquerware cup or saucer, containing millet beer or sake.