Post by washi on Apr 9, 2015 17:42:27 GMT
Beginning at the end of the 7th century, and for about 660 years, the chief priestess of Ise Grand Shrine was chosen from among unmarried daughters or other female relatives of the emperor. She was escorted from the capital with great ceremony to a specially built town about 10 miles (16 km) from the shrine. Her title was Saiō, and the town of several hundred residents constructed for her use was called Saikū. When the practice was discontinued in the 14th century, the town site reverted to farmland, and remained unknown until 1970, when it was accidentally discovered.
This post is about the history of the Saiō, the vast Saikū archeological site, and the splendid museum and hands-on education center established to promote their understanding.
Download FilePost last revised March 13, 2023.
