13/12/2013

Kuji Historical Folk Museum

In depth look at Kuji's distinctive history - for free!

Por Sarashanti

Community writer

Famous iconic clothes from Kuji worn by diving women, ama-san, who catch sea urchins and other shellfish using a net and metal hook (soegaki).

Local sand taken from the Kuji area that contains iron. This is clearly demonstrated when the sand is touched directly with a magnet.

Diorama that depicts iron manufacturing in Kuji in the Edo period (1605-1868).

Categorized iron waste that came from the traditional manufacturing process (tatarabuki kiln) that can be seen in the diorama.

Old iron teapots that were forged locally.

Scrolls (emaki) that record the traditional manufacturing process of iron through text and pictures.

Reconstructed old pottery from the pre-historic era.

A hand-driven machine traditionally used to remove the chaff from rice.

When you see this building for the first time, you may not think that it is a museum. Referred to as Kuji Historic Folk Museum (Kuji-shi Rekishi Minzoku Shiryokan), this building has many impressive collections that can give a clue as to what life was like in Kuji in the past. There are four main exhibition halls. The first exhibition hall displays many collections of iron and steel that were produced in Kuji. Maybe not many people are aware of the fact that Kuji was formerly a major producer of iron and steel. Going to the next exhibition hall, you will come across exhibits relating to famous people who came from Kuji with various kinds of professions. From teachers, poets, to politicians. Go on to the third exhibition hall, and you will see ancient pottery that dates from the pre-historic era. Last but not least, you will find many household items donated by local people from Kuji that have a strong connection with the area.