Collection (ii) :
鬼剣舞 / Onikenbai
Onikenbai is a dance and music tradition originating in Kitakami, Iwasaki, Iwate-prefecture, Japan. I have been a student of this dance for 11 years and practise regularly with the Sydney Iwasaki-den Onikenbai Club under the guidance of one another’s existing knowledge and when possible, our teachers in Kitakami. The name of the dance refers to the katana swords and masks worn and danced with, which give a masculine character that is beautifully countered by the swift movements of the ‘ōgi’ paper fan. It is traditionally danced to push bad spirits into the ground, a force which can be observed in the often weighty, earth-bound nature of movements.
The following photo series was taken in the Summer of 2020. As our teachers reside in Kitakami there has been a constant element of not being sure of the right way to do anything, which I feel reflects the way culture and story tend to persist; at battle with a kind of erosion that ultimately and conversely strengthen its meaning. The mishaps and gaps in our memory or understanding of certain parts become a source of humour and bickering. Deepest thanks to our teachers of the Iwasaki Hozonkai for sharing their guidance and knowledge.
