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As the number of red tile roofs has decreased in recent years, places
where shisa are ensconced have also diversified and have
been extended to include gateposts, doors and eaves. More houses are made
of concrete these days, and the shisa glares in its role as a guardian
deity from various locations, not only from roofs, the reserved domain
of the shisa. Incidentally, it is believed to be unique in the
world that shisa are put on private homes and public buildings
as they are in Okinawa. It seems that in foreign countries, they are chiefly
installed at royal palaces or shrines, serving as symbols of authority
or faith. |
