神楽の衣装

The dress of Shiiba Kagura is clean as an expression of the spirit of prayer to the gods, and contributes greatly to the beauty of the dances of the celebrants (dancers). The clean, white costumes are coloured with red, white, green, blue and purple money, which is used as dance hats, backpacks and sumitori-gami. A red, blue or white cotton cloth hachimaki, a tasuki and a red waist belt are also worn. Although the hues of these hues may be considered to have some connection with the five elements, such as blue, red and white, here I would like to look at the various forms and the beauty of the colours created by the kirigami technique, and consider the treasure crown (sword) worn with the hachimaki as an expression of magical power, as evidenced by its name. Next, Shiiba Kagura has some characteristics that vary from region to region. Firstly, in preparation for kagura (dressing), the main dress is a ceremonial kimono with a crest and hakama, and a white robe (mai gi, shirobari) is worn over this, regardless of the position of the priest, tayu, chushi or maiko. In Fudono and Koedao, a hemp mai gi is worn. The Shiiba Kagura of the Izumo lineage, together with the Mikawa no Hana Matsuri of the Yurugi Kagura, has shifted from quiet to lively dance movements, and the design, faith and artistry of the kirigami and costumes can be seen.