A few weeks before Shimosha’s Onbashira, the unjiko (parishioners) perform an important undertaking called Kizukuri. This is where they make the final preparations to the pillar before Yamadashi. The work is managed by the Kizukuri-shu. They cut the logs so that the harnesses and ropes can be attached and otherwise get the hashira roadworthy. Following that, the Motozuna-shu attaches the harnesses in a job known as wana-guri.
Image above and other 2016 photos courtesy of Akiko Tamura
Moving the hashira into position 2016
Teko-shu in action 2016
Kizukuri, preparing the log 2010
Cutting the holes the harnesses slide through, 2010
Kiyari encouragement, 2010
The following wanagiri shots are from just before Satobiki 2010. Included here to show the harness making process.
Wanaguri, attatching the cables 2010
Wrapping the harness with burlap, 2010
And then rice straw rope
Leaving the pillars with two fat harnesses for the two pulling ropes.
Onbashira 