Matoi

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A matoi (纏, matoi^?, まとい) is an object used in Edo period Japan by firemen (火消し, hikeshi^?) to notify people of a fire nearby or within a building. It was put on the nearby roof of the burning building by the matoi holder (纏持, matoi mochi^?). Each different group of firemen in the Edo period had their own matoi to identify themselves. In modern Japan, the matoi is only used for ceremonial purposes.

[edit] References

• Japan Hikeshi (Firemen) Preserving Foundation,
• http://park5.wakwak.com/~toshkish/hikesi03/hikesi03.html

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