Otafuku – [Noh masks]

Description

Otafuku (aka: Okame, Uzume) – 阿多福, 阿亀, 天鈿女命 – “Mask of Mirth” – [Noh masks]

• About this mask: This wide faced, sweet hearted, smiling goddess of good fortune, beauty & joy, is very sweet and good luck to meet! – Also known as “Otafuku” and more anciently: “Ame-no-Uzume” best known for helping to lure the sun goddess Amaterasu out of hiding with an erotic dance, causing a ruckus & introducing the concept of “fun” into the world! – Over time, the dance changed and would eventually become a staple, inspiring shrine maidens sacred kagura dances! – [A bit more about that in my Suzuhiko Hime biography.]

Folklore & Legend also claims that any area which bears the mask of otafuku’s likeness is blessed with her luck and happy attitude! – So, at festivals & mask stalls: her face is usually the largest one on display! – Reciting rhymes & haiku are to also said bring in her fortune! – In theatre: she’s often partnered with Hyottoko as part of a kyogen dance duo (occasionally said to be his wife or that hes her servent) –  [Kyogen is a short comedic break in an otherwise long and serious Noh play.]

• See also: Hyottoko, Lucky Gods.