Ikayop - Ainu Quiver
Purchased in 1904 at Louisiana Purchase Exposition
Wood, bamboo, vine
56 cm long, 12.5 cm wide
Cat. 88075
© The Field Museum
This quiver was one of the many Ainu items purchased by Stephen Simms at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in 1904. Although Field Museum documentation from this era says this quiver was only used for hunting bear, it was probably used on hunts for deer, fox, and other animals as well. A quiver like the one to the right could hold a handful of arrows and was usually attached to a bearskin pouch (like the one seen here) that contained extra poisoned arrowheads.
This particular quiver was made out of a hollowed-out piece of bamboo with ends made of bark, probably elm. It was strengthened by strips of cherry. The cap was also made of woven elm fibers. Connected to the main container of the quiver are two engraved pieces of wood, serving as a place to affix fiber straps (top) and a pouch (bottom). Between these two engraved pieces of wood is a small engraved stick. This stick is reminiscent of the ikupasuy, or prayer stick, used in rituals (seen here). Although carved in the same way, the stick attached to the quiver represents the hunter's ancestors and calls for them to help in the hunt from the spirit world. It could also be used as identification if the hunter was to meet his end alone in the woods.
Quivers were treasured possessions and were displayed with pride in the home.
(Commentary by Stev Weidlich)