Ainu Wood Ikupasuy - Mustache Lifter

This is a very unusual and interesting object. It is a dark colored wood with some carved designs on the surface. It has a fully carved bear facing a curved and open object on the top of the piece. These were used by the Ainu men to make offerings of  wine or saki to the spirits and gods. The Ainu are the original inhabitants of the Island of Hokkaido.

L. 11 ¾"; W. 15/16"