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A tamasay (or tamasai) is a
bead
necklace worn by
Ainu women for special occasions.
The necklace is called a shitoki if it has a
medallion. They are made with large
glass beads the Ainu obtained through trading with
Chinese merchants. The shitoki medallion often represents the
white-tailed sea eagles that the Ainu hunted. The more strands and beads a
necklace has, the more valuable it is. The necklaces were passed down
through generations and were highly treasured by their owners. This
jewelry is especially important in ceremonies and rituals because it
protects the wearer from evil spirits.
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