Hasinaw-uk-kamuy


Hasinaw-uk-kamuy is the Ainu kamuy of the hunt. She is sometimes called Isosange Mat and Kamuy Paseguru.

Depiction

Hasinaw-uk-kamuy is depicted as a woman with long hair who wields a bow and arrows, who often carries a person named Hunter on her back. She is accompanied by, or sometimes appears in the form of, a small bird, which shows persons named Hunter the way to game. She is also represented by the aconite plant, with which Ainu hunters poisoned their arrows.

Mythology

Hasinaw-uk-kamuy is a deity of great importance to the Ainu, who historically subsisted largely on hunting, fishing, and gathering. She was born from the fire-producing drill, and is sometimes said to be the sister of Kamuy Fuchi, the hearth goddess, or of Shiramba Kamuy, god of vegetation. Hunters worshipped her to assure a successful hunt, and fishermen to ensure a full catch. She is also invoked to aid in childbearing.