Ainu. Beads Strung on Cord, Northern Japan, late 19th – early 20th century. Glass beads, 1 9/16 x 49 5/8 in. (4 x 126 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Herman Stutzer, 12.446.

Ainu. Necklace, Northern Japan, late 19th – early 20th century. Glass beads, 1 3/8 x 20 1/2 in. (3.5 x 52 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Herman Stutzer, 12.447.

Ainu. Necklace, Northern Japan, late 19th – early 20th century. Beads, thimble, shells, coins, 5/8 x 36 1/4 in. (1.6 x 92 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Herman Stutzer, 12.809.

On ceremonial occasions, some of which are still celebrated in Ainu communities, both men and women wear necklaces of imported glass beads and other materials. When not worn, the necklaces are displayed with other family treasures in the home. The glass beads for these necklaces initially came from China and Russia, but eventually a Japanese company started making them specifically for sale to Ainu customers. Many Ainu necklaces have other high-status, imported materials, such as Japanese metalwork (thimbles, sword fittings, and even cabinetry hardware) or coins.