Monkey

Watching monkeys perform was once a popular form of street entertainment in Japan. Monkeys were outfitted with costumes and learned to perform dances and tricks. Monkeys also serve as the messengers of certain kami, or deities, and pairs of clothed monkey sculptures in wood or stone may be found on either side of the entrance of some jinja, or shrines dedicated to kami. This monkey has a jacket and may have once held bells and a fan. Unfortunately, its original identity and purpose have been lost.