shamusho ���� (original) (raw)

A group of administrative and sometimes commercial buildings at a Shinto Shrine. In ancient times each shrine was relatively independent and each had its own special organization, and thus the administrative system among shrine officials and priests differed. No distinction was made between public and private affairs and business was frequently carried on at the private home of the administrator, keieisha �o�{��, especially at small shrines. At large shrines, a building that corresponded in some respects to the shamusho_was called *mandokoro_���� or chousha ����. From the latter part of the 19c, shrines were organized more and more into specific ranks. The shamusho was recognized as an important element for establishing a proper relationship with the public. The buildings included administrative offices, quarters for visiting officials, servants _koshi_���g, and a storeroom, etc. In the largest shrines, rooms for ceremonies and facilities for preparing and selling amulets and cards, etc. were added. No particular architectural style has been prescribed for the shamusho. Today at Ise Jinguu �ɐ��_�{ in Mie prefecture, such offices are called jinguu shichou �_�{�i�� and at Atsuta Jinguu �M�c�_�{, in Aichi prefecture, guuchou �{��.