Japanese Nipopo Ainu Doll. A Nipopo doll is a traditional, hand-carved wooden figure of the indigenous Ainu people of Hokkaido, Japan, which is valued as a good luck charm or amulet. The term "nipopo" means "little wooden child" or "wooden baby" in the Ainu language. About the Nipopo Doll Nipopo dolls were originally made by Ainu shamans as abstract wooden figurines that served as amulets to cure or ward off illnesses in children. They were cherished as charms that protected the body against injury or disease. Material: The dolls are usually carved from wood, often from the Japanese pagoda tree (Sophora japonica). Appearance: They have a simple, stylized appearance, often without arms or legs, similar to Japanese Kokeshi dolls, but with their own unique Ainu style. Cultural Significance: The dolls represent a connection to the ancient Ainu culture and reflect their artistic heritage. Sometimes strips of red or blue cloth or beads were added to enhance their power. A rare two-headed type was believed to increase the chance of a twin pregnancy, which brought good luck in hunting and fishing within Ainu culture. The height is 9 cm; please view the photos for the condition. Please note: This item is not new, so discoloration and/or other imperfections may always be present.
Specifications
ConditionGoodColorsMulti ColorMaterialWoodNumber of items1Height9 cmWidth1 cmDepth4 cmSigns of usageDiscoloring, Scratches, Stains