An interesting component of the Gion Matsuri is that it features tapestries that look distinctly as if they aren't from the Far East. They aren't. As Kyoto was the center of Buddhism in Japan and Buddhism was the center of trade in the Eastern world, Kyoto was a center of trade. Many tapestriess and carpets came from Persia and India. Some displayed on these floats are hundreds and hundreds of years old.
The men perched on the front of the float coordinate the men who pull the ropes. The large wooden blocks are the brakes. The men walking alongside use the wood that is strapped to the undercarriage to steer the float around corners. Inside the float are statues and a crew who ring bells and play drums and flutes. On the roof are the guys who keep the top portion stable.
These ropes hanging down are attached to bells.
Fune Boko, or Boat Float, is one of my favorites every year. It is what it says it is.
I'm on a boat! (float)
It is Kyoto after all.
I believe that this gentleman was the president of the hotel across the street and was presenting something to each float.
More later.
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