Vintage Japanese Ainu Hand Carved Bear w/ Salmon Cedar Kuma 8"

This unusually blond colored 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. 

This statue measures about 7" tall by 9" long by 6" wide. The carving shows some signs of wear but is overall in very good condition. Most likely carved from Japanese cedar.