Tamasay

Tamasay

A tamasay (or tamasai) is a bead necklace worn by Ainu women for special occasions.

The necklace is called a shitoki if it has a medallion. They are made with large glass beads the Ainu obtained through trading with Chinese merchants. The shitoki medallion often represents the white-tailed sea eagles that the Ainu hunt. The more strands and beads a necklace has, the more valuable it is. The necklaces are passed down through generations and are highly treasured by their owners. This jewelry is especially important in ceremonies and rituals because it is believed to protect the wearer from evil spirits.


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем решить контрольную работу

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Ainu people — Infobox Ethnic group group=Ainu Group of Ainu people, 1904 photograph. poptime=50,000 people with half or more Ainu ancestry Pre Japanese era: 50,000, ethnically homogeneous Ainu popplace=flagcountry|Japan flagcountry|Russia langs=Ainu is the… …   Wikipedia

  • List of Ainu terms — The Ainu language of the Ainu people is distinct from those of the people around them.The list is ordered alphabetically by romanization.A* aca (アチャ) father; uncle; a middle aged man (Ainu aca may mean either father or uncle depending on the… …   Wikipedia

  • List of Japan-related articles (T) — TOCleftThis page lists Japan related articles with romanized titles beginning with the letter T. For names of people, please list by surname (i.e., Tarō Yamada should be listed under Y , not T ). Please also ignore articles (e.g. a , an , the )… …   Wikipedia

  • Ainu — Este artículo o sección necesita referencias que aparezcan en una publicación acreditada, como revistas especializadas, monografías, prensa diaria o páginas de Internet fidedignas. Puedes añadirlas así o avisar al …   Wikipedia Español

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”