HYBRID | Ainu Woodworking: Nibutani ita and inaw

Discover the background and woodworking processes in Nibutani with a special demonstration by Ainu craftsmen Kaizawa Mamoru and Kawanano Toshiya.
In the community of Nibutani, located within Biratori, Hokkaido, the production of carved wooden plates or trays called Nibutani ita has been named an ‘Official Designated Traditional Craft’, one of only two in Hokkaido. Evidence of this striking craftsmanship is found on everyday objects, and items used in ritual celebrations.
Shaved sticks called inaw are important elements used in ceremonies to honour kamuy (Ainu spirit-deities). There are different lengths and thicknesses of inaw depending on the purpose. An inaw is made by first stripping away bark and then repeatedly making curled shavings using a knife called an inawke-makiri.
During the demonstration, Kaizawa Mamoru introduces the process of making Nibutani ita from the pattern drawing to carving techniques, while Kawanano Toshiya demonstrates the rare opportunity to witness the process of carving inaw.
Kaizawa and Kawanano are also joined in conversation by Yamasaki Kōji, Professor at the Center for Ainu and Indigenous Studies, Hokkaido University.
The demonstration is a part of a programme of events in conjunction with the exhibition Ainu Stories: Contemporary Lives by the Saru River. Visitors to the exhibition can see a range of Ainu decorative woodcarving, including Nibutani ita by both Kaizawa Mamoru and Kawanano Toshiya and a plate design drawing by Kaizawa Mamoru.
About the Speakers
Kaizawa Mamoru
Kaizawa grew up surrounded from childhood by the carvings produced by his woodcarver father Moriyuki (died 1977). Kaizawa was 12 when his father died and, although he did live in Sapporo for a while after graduating from high school, he returned to Nibutani at the age of 21, having been working to continue Ainu woodworking techniques ever since. The legacy of past generations of craftsmen live on in ita (plates or trays) of Nibutani, and he pours his energies into creating original works while also passing on that tradition. He is particularly noted for his delicately beautiful ram-ram noka (fish-scale pattern) carvings. His leather goods embossed with Ainu patterns and mobile phone straps with owls carved out of antlers are also popular. In 2010 he was the only Ainu craftsman selected as a ‘Master of the Forests’ from among 80 people nationwide. He is the owner of Kaizawa Mingei.
Kawanano Toshiya
Born in Biratori Town, Hokkaido, Kawanano has been engaged in Ainu cultural preservation activities as a member for the Biratori Iwor Restoration Project since 2008. He belongs to the Nibutani Craft Cooperative Association and practises Ainu woodworking. In 2020, he participated in the Hokkaido Ainu Traditional Crafts Exhibition organized by the Ainu Association of Hokkaido.
Yamasaki Kōji
Professor at the Center for Ainu and Indigenous Studies, Hokkaido University, Yamasaki Kōji specializes in cultural anthropology and museum studies. His research while collaborating with members of the Ainu community focuses on contemporary interpretation and use of museum material. He also conducts research on representations of indigenous peoples, the promotion of Ainu crafts, and overseas Ainu collections.
Learn more about 'Ainu Stories: Contemporary Lives by the Saru River' here: bit.ly/49VZsCr
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