Shirabyoshi - 白拍子 2017 - 51 by kuma
Shirabyōshi (白拍子) were court female dancers in the Heian and Kamakura period who performed for nobles and high-ranking samurai. They were required to be educated, including being able to both read and write – they were talented poets, musicians, singers, and dancers. The outfit they wear, which is Shinto-inspired, is truly a man’s outfit featuring a tate-eboshi hat, worn by samurai, a tachi (a samurai’s sword), red hakama with white and red suikan, a male Shinto outfit, and finally a kawahori hand fan, which men carried. The captivating dance was accompanied by a slow and rhythmic music performed with drum and flute.
The cultural dance still takes place today at Yasaka Shrine during Gion Matsuri.










