as small as a world and as large as alone

6:51pm June 12, 2014

utayorihayashi:

アイヌ古式舞踊  :::  アイヌ民族博物館から発表する

Ainu Musical Heritage  :::  Presented by the Ainu People’s Museum

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The Ainu are an ethnic minority of Japan, now found mostly in the northern regions (namely, Hokkaido), though historically they also occupied further south. Though, due to Japanese law, they are not regarded as an official minority and are legally considered ethnically Japanese, they have a strikingly different culture and musical heritage. 

This is a show put on by the Ainu People’s Museum in Hokkaido showcasing various types of dance or song. Currently there are an estimated 10 native speakers of the Ainu language, and there have been many (unfunded) attempts to revive the language and culture in modern Japanese society.

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The dances are, in order: 

Kurmse - 弓の舞 - Dance of the bow

Ihunke - 子守唄 - Traditional ainu lullaby 

Tonkori - 五弦琴 - Ainu-style koto song 

Mukkuri - 口琴 - Ainu-style mouth harp song 

Pirka Song - ピリカの歌 - A traditional Ainu song 

Iyomante Rimse - 熊の霊送りの踊り - Bear Sending Ceremony Ritual Dance 

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