Personal Amulets as Artifacts: An Examination of the Significance of Japanese Omamori

Summary

This presentation will examine the significance of Japanese omamori (personal amulets) as artifacts. Disseminated by both Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, omamori are organic objects, constantly adapting to the society in which they are made. Through their near innumerable variety of forms and functions, omamori embody both the changing concerns and aesthetic tastes of the public that these institutions serve, as well as the degree to which religious institutions perceive and accommodate such trends. Omamori offer a rich source of information for researchers, yet they remain largely undiscussed. In addition to highlighting some of the questions that can be approached through the examination of amulets, the researcher will also propose a clearly delineated terminology that would greatly reduce the confusion that can arise when discussing amulets, talisman, and associated objects.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Investigations in Global Material Culture   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2014

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): SYM-59,13