THE AINOS OF YEZO, JAPAN. 



441 



which are thick ami bushy, are allowed to grow to fall length, and they 

 are never combed or brushed. Consequently an Aiuo at borne presents 

 a very uncouth appearance. Nevertheless, it is evident enough that 

 most of them would be finedooking men if they could be induced to 

 bathe, comb their hair, and put on good clothes. Although ignorant 

 and superstitious, they do not look like savages or barbarians. Their 

 maimers are gentle, their voices soft and pleasing. 



Fig. 69. 

 Rick-bowl and Fish-plate, Tsuishikaki Ainos. 



Good types are shown in Plates lxxxv-ix. The hairiness of the 

 body is best shown in Plates lxxxvii-ix. The old man (PI. lxxxix) 

 at the door of his house is covered with long hair on the breast 

 and shoulders, which is much more conspicuous than appears in the 

 photograph. The young women are often comely and attractive. The 

 young girl (PI. xc) is not devoid of the many feminine instincts of a 

 coquettish society belle. But she was capable of making a good bar- 

 gain for the work of her hands, as I found when I purchased some of 

 her embroidery. 



The Japanese in Yezo are quick to recognize the good qualities of 

 Aiuo women, and many of them marry Aiuo wives. As the women 

 grow older, they quickly lose the bloom of youth, becoming worn and 

 wrinkled, no doubt from the exposure and hardship of their rough 

 lives. Two good types from the northeast coast are represented in 

 Plate xci. 



The faces of the women are disfigured by tattooing around the 

 mouth, the style of which varies with the locality. Young maidens of 

 six or seven have a little spot on the upper lip. As they grow older, 



