Nusakoro Kamui

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".

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

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.

Notes

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.