Roof Ornament (replica)

Kumamoto Castle
Kyushu, Japan

This is a modern replica of a shachihoko roof ornament on the castle. Wooden construction increased the vulnerability of Japanese buildings to fire from lightning strikes, oil lamps, hot coals, etc. The dolphin-like shachi, whose element is water, was placed on the roof to ward off this danger.

Shachihoko are an elaboration of the much earlier shibi which served the same function. Their origin is not known exactly, but both are likely related to the makara, a watery, dragon-like creature that is ubiquitous in Indian art.