We just learned about the Tamamushi Shrine.
Another type of Japanese sculptures is the Kongōrikishi (金剛力士), also called Niō (仁王).
These are two big mean looking sculptures with big muscles and weapons that were made as guardians for Buddhist temples.
One guard is making the "ah" sound and the other is making an "uhm" sound.
The ah is supposed to be like the first sound you make when you are born, and the uhm is the last sound you make before you die.
So the statues represent all life from birth to death.
(from: wikipedia - nio)
Kid Facts - Blast from the past: Arc de Triomphe - Cortot
