Large makiri, impressive blade

Exceptionally well-made blade, still very sharp

Simple working makiri

Unadorned and with indigo-dyed cotton strap.

Ainu makiri with Japanese blade

Otherwise a classic Ainu makiri. The blade stamped Shigenaga.

Ainu ritual makiri with antler

An unusual Ainu makiri with antler scabbard parts.

Komgep-makiri

Ainu word for a knife used for carving.

Very good Ainu knife

An exceptional example with deeply curved blade and dark wood mounts.

Miniature Ainu makiri

Despite its size it is of remarkably fine workmanship.

Ainu knife

Of a typical style used in Hokkaido in the 19th century.

Bark wrapped Ainu makiri

A slender makiri with a bark wrapped scabbard.

Fine Ainu makiri

An exceptionally well-carved Ainu knife.

Knives and swords of the Ainu

19th-century ethnographers noticed that they had no iron production and relied solely on trade for articles like knives and swords. However, archaeologists found iron working facilities in 1988 and 1990.

Makiri

Ainu word for a knife.