At first it has the appearance of a tree trunk full of knots, however on closer inspection it begins to take on animalistic forms.

Yukiko Kaizawa has been weaving attus for over 50 years and has been recognized as "the excellent craftswoman" by The Ainu Association.

Portrait of Ainu sculptor, Bikky Sunazawa.

Originally all Ainu garments were made of skin, fur, and feathers, and these types of clothing survived in Sakhalin and the Kurile Islands into the twentieth century. Salmon skin was highly prized for making strong, light, durable waterproof…