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| KIRIKO TAIKO TERMINOLOGY Kobai = base rhythm; often referred to as Ji-uchi. Oobai = main rhythm Senpou = call Kouhou = response Ai-uchi = 2 people performing together Junin-uchc = 10 people performing together Bai ga Au = harmonious connection between kobai and oobai players Kiriko Tsuke-bachi = kobai playing technique where the bachi is pressed into the skin of the taiko drum while playing Kiriko Nigiri-kata = specific grip for kobai playing Uchi-dashi = patterns 1-4 Rhythm-uchi = patterns 5-8 Shangiri = large kane Dochu-bayashi = festival rhythm played on the taiko and fue when the Kiriko is being carried. Tomari-bayashi = festival rhythm played on the taiko and fue when the Kiriko is at rest during the festival. Kaeri-bayashi = festival rhythm played on the taiko and fue when the Kiriko is returning to it's resting place back inside the shrine at the end of the festival. WHAT IS A KIRIKO? Kiriko are towering, sacred festival lanterns that accompany mikoshi, or portable shrines during kiriko festivals that take place throughout the Noto Peninsula. Kiriko can range from kids kiriko (1-2 meters), standard kiriko (4-5 meters), to massive kiriko (12 meters high). They are extremely heavy and many different varieties exist in different areas of the Noto with the most elaborate kiriko doning elaborate carvings, sunken gold, sacred rice straw ropes, paper lanterns, and kiriko that are painted with Urushi or Wajima-nuri lacquer, which is regarded as the best in Japan. Carrying a standard kiriko usually demands the shoulders of 20 strong people and the largest kiriko can demand the strength of over 80 people. Wajima-nuri is an exquisite, traditional handicraft from Wajima City, Ishikawa, with over 1000 years of rich history. Kiriko painted in Wajima-nuri can have a value of $40,000-$50,000 or more. Every city, town or village in the Noto has their own unique style of kiriko. During the off season, kiriko are stored away inside of jinja, or shrines. When the festival season begins, the kiriko are re-assembled, and erected by members of the community. At the rear of the kiriko, a hira-daiko drum is strung with rope and suspended at a slight diagonal. Accompanied by taiko, fue or festival flute, and shangiri or large bells, the kiriko are carried and marched down the streets accompanying mikoshi until dawn. |
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