This video clip from the British Museum provides a very brief commentary on the Iomante "bear sending" tradition of the Ainu. It is necessarily over-simplified, and the pronunciation of Ainu words is a bit off, but I think it's worth watching. I plan to post more commentaries and references to this subject from time to time. If you find something that may aid in understanding the issues in our discussion of the Iomante (or Iyomante) ritual, please leave a comment.
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Hello again, I am enjoy your blog always.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting video. It is nice but I don't think Ainu people involved in making. I always wonder why makers do not involve Ainu people. Pronounce of Ainu words is terrible (I cannot say so much because my English terrible too, but I don't think they pronounce 'Ainu' correct!!)
The animation is nice too, but would have been better if Ainu artist does, I think. Mr. Kouji Yuuki of Ainu Art Project is working on animation of fox story. You can see preview on YouTube (in Japanese only):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs6-ACFaA3I
Sorry I always seem like complain!
Hi mai, Thank you for the video link. I may be able to use it in a blog someday.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment too. I agree that the British Museum video isn't perfect. Very few projects are. But they are usually done with noble intent, and for the benefit of the Ainu.
Historically many non-Ainu people have sacrificed and worked for the benefit and defense of the Ainu, when the Ainu themselves were unable or unwilling to do it themselves. I don't think they should be scorned because they themselves are not Ainu.
Yes I agree many good thing by non-Ainu people are done for Ainu.
ReplyDeleteBut sometime I think intend is not enough. Especially accuracy is very important. It reminds me of Russian ice dancer at Olympics - they intend respect for Aborigine.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/21/AR2010022104563.html
It make me think, OK they did a "research" but "why the don't just ask Aborigine person?"
Oh! but this video pronounce is just so bad, I am sorry. He say エイヌ and アイヨマンティ and カムーモズィ. It has an irony because the message at the end is about Ainu language... I want to say, please do a good research! Best chance is ask Ainu person!
You make some good points, Mai. Research and accuracy are very important.
ReplyDeleteThere are different dialects and different perspectives on Ainu issues even among the Ainu themselves. So basing research on one Ainu person's opinion or experience is not usually enough to make a general statement about Ainu language or political/cultural topics.
Anyone else have something to add to this discussion?