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| 2.A unique staff performance |
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Feenushima is a dance held on
September 9th of the lunar calendar with historical origins
yet unknown. It is enacted and preserved as regional folk performances
at Naha's Asato district, Ginowan City, Kitanakagusuku's Atta
district, Yomitan's Nagahama district, Nago's Kayou district
and Ie Island.
Comprised of a number of people, dancers wear black kimono
tops, white under-kimono bottoms with black and white striped
gaiters and red-haired wigs on their head.
They perform by jumping about and striking out with their
staffs, shouting lyrics that are obscure.
The Feenushima dance of Asato
is comprised of three performances. The "Hyuutan"
dance is comprised of four dancers carrying "hyootan"
or dried gourds. In another performance, dancers utilize staffs.
In the "Saaru Geei"
dance, dancers perform somersaults in their performance.
Designation: National Selected Cultural
Property
Registration Owner or Holder: Asato Association for Feenushima
Dance Preservation
Photo Courtesy of: Naha City Board of Education(1), Okinawa
Prefectural Board of Education(2) |
