Bingata

What is Bingata + The History?: 

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Bingata is a vibrant traditional Okinawan pattern found in royal textiles. The practice of creating Bingata textiles was banned along with numerous other cultural practices during the Meiji Government's implementation of the "Assimilation policy" when the islands were overthrown and turned into a Prefecture of Japan. The traditional dances, body tattoos, and even the language were all banned. ​

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My quest: 

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I have been on a quest to find answers about the motifs in the Bingata print. The story behind the vibrant swirls and unique shapes that make up the pattern. I couldn't find any answers about what they were representing - Was it wind? Was it waves? What could it be…​

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Most resources and records have been wiped, and so my search took me to the island of Oahu, Hawai’i- where the culture is more island resistance-focused- I followed all the leads I could and scavenged the library a million times over for any Okinawan Art books. 

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I still have not found my answer, so I have made my my own. The swirl shape feels like where the warm island wind meets the ocean’s foam. Moreover, Bingata to me means resisting Japan's attempts to suppress Okinawan culture and pride. The Bingata swirl is a motif that you can find throughout my body of work. Sometimes hidden, sometimes outright.

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​I hope by sharing and posting my west coast spin with hints of Bingata and Ryuukuu, more   folks will come to know and love Okinawa. My dream is to create Okinawan children's books - with traditional folktale characters and including the island's flora and fauna. 

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