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“Shimenawa” Weaving Workshop in Sonoma 3/11/2023
March 11, 2023 @ 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
$175
We are hosting a “Shimenawa” weaving workshop in Sonoma with the artist Rimiko Berreman and the facilitator, Maki Aizawa. We can accommodate up to 4 participants. A beginner participant will make an “Awaji” style “Shimenawa” and for participants who took our previous “Shimenawa” weaving class via zoom or in person, will make an “Aya Tsunagi” style.
In Japanese Shinto tradition, “Shimenawa” – ornamental woven rice straw, is used to define sacred space. Shimenawa is seen in Japanese Shinto Shrines at the altar, surrounding rocks, and trees, in presentation of sacred space. It is also often used in the home to welcome the New Year.
For the Pomo and Miwok tribes, tule is often used in the ceremonial head pieces and dance costumes. It is also used in making houses, clothing, mats, baskets, and tools. Rimiko has been working with tule since 2004, honoring the Native American tradition of making baskets, boats, “Kotcha” (house) and, rope.
Rimiko has created a workshop especially for us showcasing her step-by-step method using the unique characteristics of tule. When tule is dry, it is fragile but when it is wet, it feels similar to leather. While traditional Shimenawa rice straw weaving requires quite a bit of skill, we are able to utilize tule and its properties easily to create our own “Shimenawa” piece.
The workshop is 3 hours. The cost is $175. The materials, hand-picked by Rimiko in California, are included.
Please sign up by emailing [email protected] or use the form below.