Nusakoro Kamui

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Nusakoro Kamui is an Ainu kamui (god). Called the community-founding kamui, he represents the dead and serves as a messenger to the other kamui.

[edit] Mythology

Nusakoro Kamui is the originator of nusa or inau, sacred carved wands that represent the kamui in Ainu ritual. He is responsible for maintaining the row of inau arranged outside of a traditional Ainu dwelling, and he carries the inau and other offerings to the gods, along with humans' messages of reverence. He is called upon to assist in rituals, ensuring that the respect behind them is properly conveyed to the kamui. He is assisted in his tasks by Yushkep Kamui, the spider goddess.^[1]

Nusakoro Kamui is usually said to be the brother of the snake god, Kinashut Kamui, but sometimes the two are regarded as a single entity. Nusakoro Kamui is also sometimes presented as a female deity.

[edit] Notes

1. ^ Ashkenazy, Michael. Handbook of Japanese Mythology. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-Clio, 2003. 225-226

[edit] References

• Ashkenazy, Michael. Handbook of Japanese Mythology. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-Clio, 2003.
• Etter, Carl. Ainu Folklore: Traditions and Culture of the Vanishing Aborigines of Japan. Chicago: Wilcox and Follett, 1949.
• Munro, Neil Gordon. Ainu Creed and Cult. New York: Columbia University Press, 1995.