For my show and tell topic, I wanted to create an art piece of Queen Himiko, who was a legendary ruler of Yamato, Japan, and a divine descendant of the Shinto sun goddess, Amaterasu. This powerful woman was known as a shaman/high priestess and was revered by her people for her leadership and spiritual prowess. In my art piece, I have Queen Himiko as the central focus, surrounded by sun rays that symbolize her divine heritage as a descendant of Amaterasu. I chose to have her standing tall and proud, holding a branch from a Matsu tree, which is a powerful symbol in Japanese culture. The Matsu tree branch represents strength, courage, perseverance, and longevity, which I believe are all qualities that describe Queen Himiko. Queen Himiko was the first legendary woman to rule Japan, and her reign was characterized by her power and influence. She spent much of her time in her fortress, much like how Amaterasu is said to have “shut herself away in a cave”. This, I believe, is an interesting parallel between these two powerful women and highlights the strength and resolve that Queen Himiko possessed. The Wei Dynasty in China respected Queen Himiko and saw her as the ruler of all of Japan. Emperor Wei, emperor of China, once said, “You live so far away across the sea; yet you have sent an embassy with tribute. Your loyalty and filial piety we appreciate exceedingly. We confer upon, therefore, the title “Queen of Wa, Friendly to Wei””. This statement shows the respect that Queen Himiko commanded from other nations, and her ability to form strong relationships and alliances with those she encountered. My art piece depicts the legendary and powerful Queen Himiko. With her being surrounded by sun rays and holding a Matsu tree branch, I wanted to capture her divine heritage, her power and influence as the first legendary woman to rule Japan, and her relationship with other nations, particularly the Wei Dynasty in China. Through Queen Himiko being the center focus and holding a Matsu branch, this piece symbolizes her strength, courage, perseverance, and longevity, and her legacy that continues to inspire and influence people today.
