SCA: Because you look like one...

[baavgai]

In the SCA, I'm usually a 10th century native of Jorvik. Translation, i r a viking, albeit a settled colonial. There are a number of reasons for this choice. I'm genuinely interested in the time and place. I enjoy disparity between popular myth and what is actually known of the time. The infamous early pirates offer an exceptional opportunity to inform and amuse at demos, if nothing else.

The truth is, I'm fascinated by many cultures. However, in my youth when I would don a T tunic and sweat pants for a public event, I would often get, "Hey, good Viking!" I've had tourists at renfairs take pictures with me! It really doesn't matter what I wear, I'm still going to evoke the image of the guy in the credit card commercial that says, "Arrr, what's in yer wallet!"

At some point, you just have to say, "sure, what the hell, Vikings are cool, too" and go with it.

One of the many cultures I would have enjoyed doing something with was Japan. Of course, even if I shaved my entire body I'd still look like a white guy in a dress. Still, the idea has started to tease me. When I did iaijutsu, I quite enjoyed wearing the hakama and kimono; it felt strangely natural. What's more, it made some of the movements make more sense.

And so, as I sweat my ass off on saturday I recalled that breezy kimono. I used to wear middle eastern in summer, but now consider this less than wise. With this in mind, it turns out a surprising number of my friends have done the Japanese thing. I don't know if I'd give Heian a stab, but doing Japanese research with SCA in mind is a least amusing.

The research actually turned up folks that look much more like me than your average Japanese. The Ainu are fascinating. At first glance, the guy in the middle looks like a relative. I have a pretty good eye for faces and I stared at these guys for a long time. They look to me most like Aussie aborigines; I wish I could tell the skin tone. Further reading of the resources shows that one theory of their origin jives with my impression of their features.

Anyway, just thinking of Japanese personae recently. Will probably pick some brains at Pennsic.

Comments

[joannahurley.livejournal.com]

Weird coincidence: I'm reading a novel called The Concubine's Tatoo, and there's a minor character in it that's Ainu. Thought of it as I was reading your post.

You wouldn't be the first person in the SCA with a persona not matching your physical appearance. *shrug*

[h3salthea.livejournal.com]

..I say check it out and do the research.

Why not be Japanese? Why not look into the Ainu?

....do all the folks in the SCA have to have the same nationality/appearing nationality of their persona's?

I hold a Greek name, I do not even remotely look Greek.

I am working on establishing a Spanish Persona, and boy howdy do I NOT look "Spanish".

...so, go for it! (esp if it makes you feel more comfy in more ways than one)

[wingeddefeat.livejournal.com]

You should totally do Ainu. If that guy in the center had been holding a Bawls bottle I would have assumed that you had traveled back in time and stood in the photo.

[cvirtue.livejournal.com]

I usually manage to take my LJ Friends just as their minds, but now you have me curious about what you look like! Yes, I know you look like Hagrid, but I am sure there are some differences. You probably don't ride a flying motorcycle, for example.

[danabren.livejournal.com]

tsuruko_sensei has done some research on the Ainu, she's out in, um, An Tir?

See you Monday the 4th around 3ish?

[baavgai.livejournal.com]

Sounds great!

Oh, the tea party? I'm afraid I'll almost certainly be inappropriately attired, but I'd love to chat.

Actually, I need to find my old del for a Mongol event... better than Saxon, at least. :p

[danabren.livejournal.com]

Japanese garb requested, interest in Japanese culture required :)