Shachihoko
A shachihoko (鯱鉾 / 鯱) – or simply shachi (鯱) – is an animal in Japanese folklore with the head of a tiger and the body of a carp.[1] It was believed that this animal could cause the rain to fall, and as such, temples and castles were often adorned with roof ornaments (shibi) crafted in the form of a shachihoko, in order to protect them from fire.
Shachi on the roof of Nagoya Castle
A shachihoko float used in Karatsu Kunchi festival
When pronounced shachi (鯱), it also means "orca".[2]
Japanese female idol group Team Syachihoko uses the animal in its name and logo.
See also
- Chiwen, similar character in Chinese mythology and architecture with the same function, described since Han Dynasty (-202—220).
- Gargoyle
- Grotesque (architecture)
- Makara (Hindu mythology)
- Onigawara
- Shibi (roof tile)
- Team Shachi, a J-pop idol group
External links
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