Sympathetic Magic of the Ainu – The Native People of Japan (Folklore History Series)

An insightful look into the culture, religion, and magic of the native people of Japan: the Ainu.

John Batchelor gives a first-hand account of the Ainu people who are indigenous to the Northern Japanese island Hokkaido. Having been sent as a Christian missionary to the community, Batchelor details the Ainu religion and culture. He describes their animistic rituals and their belief that all things, including nature, animals, and objects, possess a godly spirit. First published in 1901.

This volume features the following chapters:

– The Nature of Witchcraft

– The Use of the Fox and Bird’s Skulls

– External Methods of Bewitching