Shamanistic Music and Shimenawa Rope Music

These unique bells are found at the entrances of shrines and temples in Asia and used to wake the spirits to notify them of our presence (see image below). Each bell will be made of different material and have a different sound. They will be hung in various places of YBCA and visitors will be welcome to ring them in honor of an ancestor or loved one. The bells will also be used in the beginning and end of the live performance piece

With the help of workshop participants, we will create an installation of Suzu Bells and Shimenawa Rope that community members can interact with. Historically, these unique bells are found at the entrances of shrines and temples in Asia and used to wake the spirits to notify them of our presence. Over the course of the workshop, we’ll explore the history and purpose of these beautiful bells, talk about which spirit or ancestor participants would like to dedicate their bell to, and fabricate bells. Each Suzu will have a different sound and timbre as we’ll put various objects (metal, marble, bamboo, etc) into each homemade bell. We’ll also learn the techniques used to craft and braid rope of various materials.

Past Workshops have taken place at:

• Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco, CA

• Youkobo Art Space, Tokyo, Japan