Shisas can also be found flanking doors to businesses, apartment buildings, city buildings... they are everywhere in Okinawa! They range in size from keychains to tall-as-me statues. You can read more about their history and see more photos here!
8.16.2008
Shisa
These little guys are a miniature pair of "Shisas." The are used somewhat like gargoyles, and most Okinawan houses have a pair of them either on the rooftop, or on either side of a gate or entrance to the property. The open-mouthed Shisa is supposed to be scaring away bad fortune, like a guard dog. The closed-mouthed one is holding in the good fortune. I've heard it said that the former is a male, the latter a female, but I'm not sure there's a difference.
Shisas can also be found flanking doors to businesses, apartment buildings, city buildings... they are everywhere in Okinawa! They range in size from keychains to tall-as-me statues. You can read more about their history and see more photos here!
Shisas can also be found flanking doors to businesses, apartment buildings, city buildings... they are everywhere in Okinawa! They range in size from keychains to tall-as-me statues. You can read more about their history and see more photos here!
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