Folk Art of Maze Town

 

The next temple on the Shodoshima Pilgrimage was in the middle of an old part of Tonosho known as Meiro no Machi, which translates as Maze Town

The name comes from the narrow lanes of the area which have so many turns it quickly gets confusing when walking around. It is said the layout was created in the 14th century when fighting between the rival Northern and Southern Courts occurred on the island. Other sources say it was to protect the town from pirates.

When I was there the alleys had curious figures made from fishing net floats. I have seen such things numerous times. Often painted to look like a cat.

Here there was a standard pattern of the float placed in a plant pot or small bucket, and each one was wearing a conical cap I think representing the sugegasa, the hat worn by pilgrims.

Most just have standard faces, but some are painted to represent characters.... Daruma being common, and even Hello Kitty as above...

Since I visited the area has opened several Yokai museums and there seems to be Yokai decoration around so maybe these figures are not so common.

The previous post was on the nearby Narrowest Strait in the World.

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