Title : Akita Namahage Festival - 秋田 なまはげ

Artist : Tokuriki Tomikichiro

Date : 1973

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Source : Ohmi Gallery
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Description : Rarely seen limited editon double-oban sized print by Tokuriki. Title and artist signature at lower left. Artist signature and "First edition of 200 prints" note at lower right in margin. From www.namahage.co.jp/namahagekan/english/namahage.php: "Though this New Year's Eve ritual is observed throughout Oga, all yhat is known of its origins is that it is an old and important folk-cultural event. Namahage, played by young men in domenic masks and traditional straw garments, make the rounds of houses in their village. They burst into these houses searching for new community members like young wives and children. In an inimitable throaty scream, the Namahage encourage (order?) these newcomers to work and study hard, and obey their parents or in-laws. Other household members "protect" their relatives, assuring the Namahage that they are good people. The Namahage are then placated with a little sake and some food."

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