Long Light Prayer Stick
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Object Label
The ikupasuy is a sacred object used for prayer. The worshipper dips the sharper end into rice wine (sake) or millet beer, and then sprinkles drops of the liquor. The ikupasuy is believed to be a medium for sending a message to a spirit or god. Delicately carved in relief on plain wood, ikupasuy show numerous design variations. They were sometimes lacquered by neighboring Japanese.
Caption
Ainu. Long Light Prayer Stick, late 19th–early 20th century. Wood and lacquer, 15/16 x 12 15/16 in. (2.4 x 32.8 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Herman Stutzer, 12.231. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Culture
Title
Long Light Prayer Stick
Date
late 19th–early 20th century
Geography
Place made: Northern region, Japan
Medium
Wood and lacquer
Classification
Dimensions
15/16 x 12 15/16 in. (2.4 x 32.8 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Herman Stutzer
Accession Number
12.231
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