This omiyage (souvenir) folk craft represents the traditional Deer Dance (鹿踊, Shishi-Odori) from the Nanbu (南部) region of Japan, now part of Iwate Prefecture in the Tōhoku area.
The figurine depicts a dancer in colorful ceremonial attire, complete with a deer-shaped mask, symbolic antlers, and a drum worn at the waist, all signature elements of the Shishi-Odori. The deer dance is a sacred folk performance rooted in agrarian ritual and ancestral reverence, performed to honor the spirits of animals, pray for a bountiful harvest, and ward off misfortune.
The dancer's upright posture and vibrant hues—red, black, white, and indigo—reflect the powerful energy of the performance, which typically features dynamic stomping, rhythmic drumming, and chanting. The base is inscribed with "南部鹿踊" (Nanbu Shishi-Odori), grounding the piece firmly in its geographic and cultural origin.
Perfect as a keepsake or cultural display item, this miniature Deer Dance figure is a tribute to regional Japanese heritage, celebrating one of Tōhoku’s most spirited and visually striking traditional arts.
Size: 4 x 4 x 10cm
