Ishigami's Bonden Performance at Obonai Shrine

Ishigami is an area near Lake Tazawa, where traditional performing arts is enthusiastically practiced and passed down through many generations. At the annual festival at Obonai Shrine, on August 15th, the Ishigami Traditional Performing Arts Preservation Group (石神芸能保存会）held the final performance before they dedicate the bondens to the deity.

Here are some videos to show you the highlight of Ishigami Group's performance!

Part 1: Teodori, or Hand-Dance by a group mainly consisted of young girls.

Part 2:  A dance of a lord and his subordinate?




Part3: Another dance by men, a lord and his men drinking together?? (Fist Half)



Part 4: ... the lord and his men finally getting drunk?? (Second Half)



Part 5: Taue-odori, or Dance of Rice-Planting..



Part 6: Now it's time to dedicate the bondens to the main shrine. A group of men press down each bonden to the floor near the entrance to the main shrine and break it down violently.



Part 7:  Finally, the largest one is being destroyed..



Part 8: The Final Dance.