The history of Ainu tattoo of Sakhalin and Hokkaido

The article is devoted to one of the poorly studied aspects of Ainu traditional culture - a female tattoo, unique in its manifestation in the Far Eastern region (Sakhalin, Hokkaido). Scientists have proved that the patterns of tattoo and the technique of applying them, practiced by neighboring northern peoples, are the result of Ainu influence. The author makes an attempt to analyze the origin and significance of tattoos not only from documentary materials, but also from the folklore of the ancient people, and also describes the patterns and methods of their application. Since the end of XIX century. The rigid policy of the Japanese government in the assimilation of the Ainu people led to the complete prohibition of tattoos.