Japanese Ainu Large Hand Carved Bear Signed w/ Salmon Cedar Kuma 19" 森

This unusually large vintage Japanese carving (mid-late 20th century) was created by the indigenous Ainu people now mainly on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. The Ainu people traditionally carved these Kubori Kuma for religious purposes revering the Bear as a deity. Tinted red on the head and neck. Salmon in mouth. 

Marking = 森 (Mori, artist surname)

This statue measures about 11" tall by 19" long by 12" wide (28 x 48 x 30.5 cm). The carving shows some signs of wear but is overall in very good condition. Most likely carved from Japanese cedar.