Namahage Demon Clay Mask from Japan
Every New Year’s Eve on Japan’s Oga Peninsula, an ancient tradition comes to life. Young men dressed as Namahage—demonic mountain spirits—don fearsome masks and straw capes, then go door to door shouting, “Are there any lazy children here?”
The ritual is meant to scare children (and adults!) into good behavior, with parents offering food and drink to the Namahage in exchange for promises of health, luck, and hard work in the year ahead. After making their rounds, the spirits return to the mountains, satisfied—for now.
The word Namahage comes from namomi, the blisters one gets from sitting too long near the hearth, symbolizing idleness. This miniature mask captures that message: a reminder that too much comfort can dull the spirit.
This hand-painted clay Namahage mask measures approximately 1.5 inches tall and is adorn with hairs! Display it near your workspace to keep procrastination at bay and channel the energy of perseverance and purpose.
Every New Year’s Eve on Japan’s Oga Peninsula, an ancient tradition comes to life. Young men dressed as Namahage—demonic mountain spirits—don fearsome masks and straw capes, then go door to door shouting, “Are there any lazy children here?”
The ritual is meant to scare children (and adults!) into good behavior, with parents offering food and drink to the Namahage in exchange for promises of health, luck, and hard work in the year ahead. After making their rounds, the spirits return to the mountains, satisfied—for now.
The word Namahage comes from namomi, the blisters one gets from sitting too long near the hearth, symbolizing idleness. This miniature mask captures that message: a reminder that too much comfort can dull the spirit.
This hand-painted clay Namahage mask measures approximately 1.5 inches tall and is adorn with hairs! Display it near your workspace to keep procrastination at bay and channel the energy of perseverance and purpose.
Every New Year’s Eve on Japan’s Oga Peninsula, an ancient tradition comes to life. Young men dressed as Namahage—demonic mountain spirits—don fearsome masks and straw capes, then go door to door shouting, “Are there any lazy children here?”
The ritual is meant to scare children (and adults!) into good behavior, with parents offering food and drink to the Namahage in exchange for promises of health, luck, and hard work in the year ahead. After making their rounds, the spirits return to the mountains, satisfied—for now.
The word Namahage comes from namomi, the blisters one gets from sitting too long near the hearth, symbolizing idleness. This miniature mask captures that message: a reminder that too much comfort can dull the spirit.
This hand-painted clay Namahage mask measures approximately 1.5 inches tall and is adorn with hairs! Display it near your workspace to keep procrastination at bay and channel the energy of perseverance and purpose.
