Onna - Bugeisha
Female Samurai
The term, Onna-Bugeisha, breaks down into onna, meaning ‘woman,’ and bugeisha, roughly meaning ‘warrior’ or ‘martial artist’ – a woman warrior.
As female samurai, it was their duty to protect their households, families, and sense of honor.
As members of the bushi or ‘warrior’ class, the Onna-Bugeisha were trained in the art of combat with many different weapons and, during battle, were every bit as brave and fearsome as their male peers.
Created in 2019
The history of women warriors, also sometimes called Onna-musha, carries across many centuries, possibly millennia. The Kamakura, Sengoku, Edo periods and beyond are all filled with their heroism.
Figures like Empress Jingū, Tomoe Gozen, Hangaku Gozen, and the brilliant Aizu women were all incredible examples of legendary samurai women throughout the years.
Following the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate and the dawn of the Meiji Restoration, the status of Japanese women in society underwent a significant transformation. This led to a complete shift in the position of Onna-Bugeisha and young women in general.
The modern era brought a decline in the influence of the samurai and limited women to domestic and traditionally feminine responsibilities. Consequently, the memory of Onna-Bugeisha started to wane.
Historical depictions of female warriors and their accomplishments disappeared from view. Yet, today, their stories are finally being told once again.
Thank You
-
Used software:
Adobe illustrator | Adobe Photoshop
