Thanks for posting this Tom.
Ainu weapons are probably among the most esoteric seen among ethnographic weapons, so its always interesting when one comes up. While it is known the Ainu obtained thier sword blades from Japan through trade, it is amazing to see one as old as this example is stated, from Mogusa school c.1469. I suppose that is really not unusual as early Japanese blades seem considered relatively common, but it is still amazing to me. I recall talking with a Japanese gentleman with a number of these swords, who acted as if a 4 or 5 hundred year old sword was no big deal.
It is interesting that the scabbard is plain, as the Ainu were great woodcarvers and usually highly decorated thier scabbards.
I am curious on the geometric device carved in the blade, and wonder what the symbolism might mean. It seems that some narratives note the designs used by the Ainu as simply aesthetically favored without specific meaning, which I find hard to believe in an ancient animist culture.
It would seem the geometric designs here do resemble loosely the symmetric designs embroidered on the garment worn by the Ainu, though in the material I reviewed there was not one that closely matched. Possibly the design might represent the spread wings of a bird ? The outline of the design does resemble a 'bracket' type figure which often appeared in embroidered designs in these garments.
It would be great to hear other ideas.
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