_Name._--Chinese, Lieou-Khieou. Native, Oghii.
_Political relations._--Tribute paid both to China and Japan.
_Physical appearance._--"Their hair, which is of a glossy black, is shaved off the crown. Their beards and mustachios are allowed to grow. They are rather low in stature, but are well formed, and have an easy, graceful carriage. Their colour is not good, some being very dark, and others nearly white, but in most instances they are of a deep copper. This is fully compensated by the sweetness and intelligence of their countenance. Their eyes, which are black, have a placid expression."[96]
_Locality._--_a._ On the Continent.--1. The mouth of the Amur. 2. The southernmost extremity of Kamskatka. _b._ The Kurile Islands, and the northern part of Jesso. _c._ The island, or peninsula of Saghalin.
_Political relations._--Subject to China, Russia, and Japan.
_Religion._--Imperfect Buddhism. The doctrine of Siúdú. Paganism.
_Physical appearance._--Skin darker than that of the Japanese, but, probably (from the iris being lighter) this is through being more exposed.
An Aino tribe occupying the banks of the Amur, and noticed by Timkowski,[97] under the name of Kileng, or Kilerzi, is probably the same with the Gilacken[98] of Von Middendorf. Of these the appearance is varied, sometimes Japanese, sometimes Caucasian.
The moral character of the Aino has generally been described in highly favourable terms. Their religion is probably allied to the original paganism of Japan.
"The sun, the moon, the sea, and other striking objects of nature, are the divinities of the Aino: they represent them under rude symbols and offer sacrifices to them. The men of Karafto burn upon the shore the heads of animals which they have caught, as a gift to the sea. Daily the Aino addresses the following words to the divinity who protects his cabin:--'We thank thee,[99] Kamoï, for having dwelt here in our coast and watched for us,' and he repeats after the prayer, 'Kamoï ever take care of us.' They believe likewise that there is a God of heaven and of hell; this is the residence of Nitsul Kamoï. They have also little wooden temples containing images of their idols carved in wood. Yearly they have a festival termed Omsia, when all the family regale themselves with _saké_ and bear's flesh. In their marriages the Aino are careful to avoid too near relationship. In Karafto, the inhabitants of the north take wives from the southern part. The chief of the village confirms the marriage, which is concluded on the dowry or price being paid to the father of the betrothed. The women are free, and in Karafto rule their husbands.