Easy experience, folk craft kagura mask painting set
Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset "Satokagura"
Painting Experience of Folk Art Kagura Masks
Recommended for people who
- People who cannot visit Japan very often, but want to experience and learn about Japanese culture.
- Want to practice painting masks.
- Want to find items that can be played with by everyone at events and parties.
- Want to make many masks of their own original design.
- Want to experience at their own pace at home.
What are Kagura Masks?
Masks for Satokagura performed in various parts of Japan
Masks used in satokagura are called "kagura masks". It is said that kagura masks were influenced by Noh plays and Kyogen plays. There are various types of kagura masks, such as Okina masks, Oni masks, Onna masks, Hyottoko masks, Okame masks, Monkey masks, and Fox masks.
Noh masks are the most famous type of mask. Noh masks and kagura masks are similar in many respects. However, Kagura masks are worn for entertainment, so there is a difference in that they include funny elements such as Hyottoko masks and Okame masks.
The kagura mask is as valuable as the costumes to the group that protects kagura. We take very good care of the masks that have been passed down from generation to generation. Even if they are damaged, they are repaired and used, or they are molded and duplicated to preserve the tradition.
Each region has its own unique characteristics, and one of the charms of kagura masks is that you can enjoy the differences in their characteristics.
papier-mache kagura masks
As with Noh masks, kagura masks are mostly carved out of wood. Later, however, papier-mâché masks made of paper were also used in satokagura in some regions. Around 1887, when the fast tempo dance known as "Hacchoshi (八調子)" was introduced in Shimane Prefecture, lighter papier-mâché masks began to be used. The papier-mache masks used in Iwami Kagura in Shimane Prefecture are made of "Sekishuwashi (石州和紙)" overlaid with persimmon tannin glue, and are both light and strong. Other papier-mâché kagura masks are often made as local toys and souvenirs, contributing to the promotion of kagura culture. They are popular as products that can be easily purchased by those who cannot afford authentic wooden carved kagura masks.Folk craft kagura mask painting set
Size and Material of Kagura Mask
Size: approx. 180 x approx. 210 mm Material: paper clay
About Takeminakata no Mikoto (建御名方神)
Takeminakata no Mikoto, or the god of this kagura mask, is the son of Okuninushi no Mikoto. He boldly challenged Takemikazuchi, the warrior god Takemikazuchi, at the time of the "handover of the land" of Izumo. In the end, he was the deity of Suwa-taisha Shrine, which was enshrined in the land of Suwa. He could be said to be a god of strong military prowess who stood his ground even when outnumbered, and was revered by warlords such as Shingen Takeda.People who make folk craft kagura masks
These kagura masks are made by a group of mainly elderly people in Yakage cho, the home of Bicchu kagura. The income generated by these masks is used to purchase welfare equipment for use by nursing care facilities.
The masks are made from old newspapers. Newspapers and water are mixed with a mixer to make paper clay, which is then placed on top of a plaster mold and allowed to dry thoroughly. It is taken out and the surface is polished with sandpaper to make the original shape.
For the base coat, white paint made from seashells called "gofun" is applied. Then, it is allowed to dry again.
This process is repeated over and over again, with many layers of paint applied. After this process, the paintings are ready to be painted. It usually takes three months to reach this state of production.
These tasks are very rewarding for the elderly.
In this way, the masks are made from recycled resources. This is a wonderful initiative from an ecological and SDGs perspective, and it is an activity that has multiple benefits: it conveys traditional culture, gives the elderly a sense of purpose in life, and ultimately contributes to society.
How to Enjoy Folk Art Kagura Masks
Paint your own original design
These masks can be painted to imitate the finished product or can be painted with your own color scheme and design. The set includes 5 masks for painting, so you can enjoy various painting methods.
Please post your finished work on social networking sites. #original kagura masks
Enjoy painting with your friends!
Enjoy painting masks with your family and friends. This is a great product for birthday parties or Halloween parties. Put on your finished mask and have a good time.
There are no holes for the eyes or mouth on the papier-mâché mask. There is no string attached when covering the mask. If you wear it, please install it yourself if necessary. There is a string for hanging on the top of the mask. You can display it by hooking it on a hook or pin.
Decorate your room
This mask of "Kakeminakata no Mikoto(建御名方命)" has the blessings of "good harvest" and "prosperity. It is a good idea to display it in your room with a prayer.
