Matagi
Sign in to savethumb|Matagi hunters with Japanese black bear, 1966, [[Kamikoani, Akita]]
Article
12 sectionsContents
- Etymology and language
- Ethnic origin
- Hunting practices
- Spirituality
- Present-day Matagi
- Literary references
- See also
- Notes
- References
- Works cited
- Further reading
- External links
thumb|Matagi hunters with Japanese black bear, 1966, [[Kamikoani, Akita]]
The are traditional winter hunters of the Tōhoku region of northern Japan, most famously today in the Ani area in Akita Prefecture, which is known for the Akita dogs. Afterwards, they spread to the Shirakami-Sanchi forest between Akita and Aomori, and other areas of Japan. Documented as a specialised group from the medieval period onwards, the Matagi continue to hunt deer and bear in the present day, and their culture has much in common with the bear worship of the Ainu people.