These male and female Ainu figures are carved from light-colored wood and feature wicker accents trimmed in black and gold on their bodies. Both are wearing hats and robes. The Ainu are a group of indigenous people who were the original inhabitants of Hokkaido, Japan. Carved figures such as these were common among the Ainu, who often made carvings for religious and spiritual ceremonies as well as to sell as souvenirs.
Etta M. Hesselink Etta Hesselink and her husband John served the Reformed Church as missionaries and teachers in Japan from 1953 to 1973, and they and their five children all developed a deep appreciation for Japanese art and culture.