Samurai Women, Kabuki Women

firedoglake has an article about the current exhibit (through Jan. 10) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NY called "The Art of the Samurai: Japanese Arms and Armor 1156-1868." Pictured with the Toby Wollin piece is a suit of armor used by a woman. Yes, women were samurai too.

It reminded me about figures I have made honoring women roles not celebrated or known. Here is a Kabuki dancer. Kabuki dance-drama theater was created by women, danced by women, and until the Edo Period all parts were played by women. After the Edo Period, women were banned from performing Kabuki.

The armor in the museum was worn by a woman in the 1700s. Kabuki performed by women was banned in 1629. A good woman with her own weaponry in your home was a better idea than a woman in theatrical make-up. Interesting, isn't it?