CHISEIKORO KAMUI (AINU)
The Ainu god of the house. He resides in the northeast corner of the house, where the household treasures—swords, robes, lacquered boxes, and tubs of Japanese manufacture—are stored. Together with Kamui Fuchi, the hearth goddess,
he protects the house. He is often said to be her husband.
The relationship between Chiseikoro and Kamui Fuchi exemplifies the domestic relationships among the Ainu. Although the husband was dominant in some areas, it was also clear from this and other mythical relationships that in the
domestic sphere, the woman was dominant. And clearly, Chiseikoro is responsible for treasures that were the domain of men: imported and trade articles.
SEE ALSO:
REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING:
- Munro, Neil Gordon. 1962. Ainu Creed and Cult. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul; London and New York: K. Paul International, distributed by Columbia University Press, 1995.
SOURCE:
Handbook of Japanese Mythology written by Michael Ashkenazi – Copyright © 2003 by Michael Ashkenazi
