Observing Stone Structure: Imagine you’re driving in Gate 3 or Gate 1…. *ancient Okinawan tombs- today tell you about them

Bigger Picture >>(understanding tomb): Need bigger picture religion/ancient beliefs to und. tombs/burial practices. In Susan Sered’s Book….she discusses idea.
*superiority *noro *relationship living/dead *ANCESTOR WORSHIP!!!
Edward Bollinger: studied/worked w/ Oki religion 1955-1975, translated/pub. many books on Okinawan & Eastern religion. According to him,..
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“The felicity of ancestors in the after-life is thought to depend on proper respect and worship in the home, and also the good fortunes of the home are thought to be dependent upon the blessings bestowed by the ancestors.”
**ancestor’s spirits nearby/watching over descendants
Beliefs(better idea) >> Look tombs
*Late 17-18 century (key part of worship) -Gate 1 tomb since 1900, Gate 3 older bcuz cave style
*Shape (turtle back-gable style) -Older style was just in cave (before annex)
Gisho Nakama: director, Yomitan Historical & Folk Craft Museum talks about shape of turtle-back tomb, how it represents a womb…
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“In the Ryukyus, the turtle-shaped grave is said to be a shape of a mother’s womb, from where everyone is born and to where everyone returns.”
George Kerr, in his book…..talks about the Okinawa tomb & its layout… *Layout – Courtyard, family name markers, porch for offerings
*Size (seem small outside)
-size of tomb denotes family’s wealth
Gisho Nakama in his 2006 article AND the Itoman City website, both say
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“The largest family tomb on Okinawa is where about 5,000 people can be buried. The grave site is about 17,800 square feet in area.” Tombs/Burials Detailed: As we can see not only are the tombs complex, so are the