TITLE: Ondeko Mask
TYPE: face mask
GENERAL REGION: Asia
COUNTRY: Japan
SUBREGION: Sado Island
ETHNICITY: Japanese
DESCRIPTION: Oni-daiko (Ondeko) mask
CATALOG ID: ASJP025
MAKER: Ohoshima Jyunji (Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto, 1930- )
CEREMONY: Ondeko Dance
AGE: 2013
MAIN MATERIAL: wood
OTHER MATERIALS: paint; cashew tree lacquer; brass; gold dust; cloth; Velcro straps; horse hair
Ondeko, also known as Oni-daiko, is a demon character that performs solely on Japan’s Sado Island. The masquerader dances vigorously to the music of drums and sometimes other instruments in order to drive away evil spirits and to ensure a good harvest. It probably originates in Buddhist dances from the eight or ninth century C.E., although its precise origin is contested. The configuration of the performance varies across Sado Island. There are five styles of Ondeko dance. In the central part of the island, Katagami drum style is popular. The demons are dance slowly, often with two lions (Shishi), suggesting a tie to China’s Tang Lion Dance. In the southern part of the island is Maehama Ondeko, in which two demons always dance together, and a flute is added to the drums. In the north, Mamemaki style dominates. A demon carries two swords while an old man scatters beans from a wooden box for good luck. Near the capital city of Ogi, Issoku style is most popular, and the demons jump on one foot while playing the drum. Finally, in two villages on the southeastern tip of Sado, Hanagasa style is performed. There, the celebration involves many more participants, including a lion dance and folk singers.
This specimen was acquired from Inoue Corporation of Kyoto.
