Shishi-mai (Japanese Lion Dance), a photo from 東京, 関東

Photographer's Note

In Japan on 2nd and/or 3rd of Jan. "Shihimai"(not exactly but almost same "Lion Dance") is performed to the God in front of Shrine. I am a little surprised as today's dancer (Dancer with mask of lion) is this lady. As you see, in China and Singapore there is a "Baron-sai" and "Barong dance" in Bali. They are quite similar to this one. The core roots for these kinds of culture and tradition seem to be same, I guess.

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Critiques | Translate

Disabled_A (0) 2009-01-07 5:41

Hello Takero,
I am much surprised to see no comments to this photo. But, as I have already said many times before, so often very good photos are left without comments!
I like this photo very much. It seems to me like a "double" portrait: a "portrait" of the mask, and a portrait of the girl (actually, I very much like the way her head is turned, the way she is looking at something - or someone?)
The mask seems to have its own life - bright, vivid, golden-red. The girl looks proud and independent... and, perhaps, very self-confident. (In any case, it's the impression which I have.)
Composition-wise, the crop seems a little bit too tight on the right, but it doe3sn't spoil at all the whole impression!
Kindest regards,
Elena

Angshu (56760) 2009-01-08 20:02

Hello Takero-san
I learnt something new from your picture & note. Light was quite harsh as evidenced on her face, but the exposure control is very good. Perhaps, if shot in RAW, you could have reduced this exposure a bit. The mask is exactly like the ones used in Barong, except the colour. I always thought that Balinese have the same culture as us, except that we in India do not follow rituals like them. My guess is these traditions have originated from Animism across the countries in Asia. A good TE post.
Best Regards
Angshu