At the Nishimeya Central Community Center (Nishimeya Muratashiro Kanda), I am currently experiencing the production of a "Maya" doll.

"Meya doll" is a souvenir from Nishimeya village at the entrance to the Shirakami Mountains, and represents a woman in Meya who was carrying a mountain-made charcoal bag to her back. In the village, it is sometimes presented as a souvenir of an adult ceremony or as a gift for an event, and it is said that there is one in each family.

According to Keiko Maeyama of the Meiya Doll Production Group, the doll began to be made in the early Showa era and was temporarily cut off due to lack of successors, but in 1984 (Showa 59) The business was established as a business and was reprinted. "The number of members who were 10 at that time has now increased to 3," Maeyama said. It is said that he is experiencing the production because he is aging and wants to make a young leader.

The eyes, hands, and feet of the eye shop dolls are outsourced to doll stores outside the prefecture, but all other materials are made from the same village. Straws of rice harvested in the village are packed in the legs, and processed timber from the village is used in the body. Maeyama says, "Each body is handmade and it takes about two days to complete."

It is said that it is made at a pace of about 100 bodies per year, and it is made mainly in the winter season using the off-season. There are three sizes, the large type has a height of 55 cm and a width of 16 cm. The medium type has a height of 42 cm and a width of 13 cm. The small type has a height of 27 cm and a width of 11 cm. The prices are large = 10,000 yen, medium = 7,500 yen, small = 2,300 yen, respectively. "Small type sells best," Maeyama says.

Natsumi Hino of Hirosaki University who participated in the production experience said, “I was in charge of producing the coal bales, but I was able to do well if I grasped the hang. If I appeal to young people, I will be able to draw the face myself Or promote it for young people, such as collaborating with Rika-chan dolls. "

The dolls are sold at the beach Nishimeya (Nishimeya Muratashiro Kanda, TEL 0172-85-2855) and Beech no Sato Shirakamikan (Nishimeya Muratashiro Kanda, TEL 0172-85-3011).

The production time is Monday = 9am to 4pm. Experience fee is free. Applications can be made to the same business and industry association (TEL 0172-85-2828). Until March 28th.