curved, wood carved knife with deer horn toggle attached with cord

Knife (makiri) with toggle, late 19th-early 20th century

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Ainu men were woodcarvers. Used as a cutting tool as well as for defense, knives (makiri) were an essential element of an Ainu man’s outfit. Men carved the sheaths themselves, choosing their own patterns. As a symbol of his carving skills, the knife was suspended prominently from the belt and fastened by a netsuke-like toggle, in this case a piece of deer horn.

Details
Title
Knife (makiri) with toggle
Role
Maker
Accession Number
2019.20.42
Catalogue Raisonne
Murray et al. 2018, p. 26-27
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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curved, wood carved knife with deer horn toggle attached with cord