Floor plan of Ainu house
description: The typical Shiraoi Ainu house, entered through an anteroom in the west end, was laid out around a central rectangular hearth where most everyday activities took place. Family treasures were stored in the lacquerware containers along an elevated platform in the northeast corner of the house or were hung on the walls behind them. Guests of honor were seated at the east end of the room near the god's window, which was reserved for the passage of gods. Outside this window stood the ritual altar of nusa. (Description from Ainu: Spirit of a Northern People. Arctic Studies Center. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History)
source: Ainu Museum at Shiraoi Ainu: Spirit of a Northern People. Arctic Studies Center. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History