Hōheikyō Hot Spring
I love the common indications - ‘house and lottery’
There were a few owls that encouraged me to deeply contemplate around the outside spring bath, particularly one with a cocked head. Also notable, was this one as I left, having one eye open and the other shut. No symbology there at all!
Before we could go in to take a look at the symbols of Ainu culture, we had to walk past this fellow.
Dress
Adornment
Next - some “metallic plaques” attached to necklaces
Just look at this meaningless metallic plaque. These guys were so backward (maybe we can catch them up?)
Battle style
As for these headbands - why would anyone want to go into battle with this fancy stuff across their forehead? Surely you would think they would want something that represented strength, power or be of spiritual significance - riiiight?
Food preparation
It would seam that even the equipment used to make the stuff that sustains you and keeps you strong and healthy had to have these meaningless carvings all over them.
Music
The was no escape for the musician either from the obsession with this symbology.
Conclusion
The Ainu people were completely in touch with nature and had a deep understanding and respect for it, they could make everything from sustainable materials to live fulfilling lives.
We could learn a lot from study of lost ‘primitive’ ways of living.
NOTE: Discussion on Geo-polymers will move to Tuesday morning Japan time.
Matsumoto - Ainu