Attus (Traditional Clothing)
The attus is a straight-sleeved robe that is tied around the waist. There are different versions of the attus, with some being more heavily decorated than others, but all types are treated with respect and reverence as traditional clothing to be worn during important ceremonies.
The word attus refers to the robe’s main material, a fiber made by soaking the inner bark of trees such as the Manchurian elm, Japanese lime, and Japanese elm to make it soft and pliable. The resulting fibers are woven into a durable fabric. The geometric patterns on the attus are made from dyed cotton cloth (originally obtained through trade with Honshu, Japan’s largest island), which is sewn onto the garment. The patterns are variations on a set style, such as the bracket motif seen here. These designs have spiritual significance and are concentrated around the sleeves and hems, which are considered openings where evil spirits could enter.