This vibrant and richly adorned papier-mâché horse represents the Chagu Chagu Umako (チャグチャグ馬コ) — a beloved folk tradition from Iwate Prefecture. Dressed in ornate harnesses, bells, and colorful textiles, the figurine is a miniature reflection of the real horses paraded each year during the Chagu Chagu Umako Festival, an early summer event held in Morioka City that celebrates the region’s deep connection to horses.
The term "Chagu Chagu" mimics the pleasant jingling sound made by the small bells attached to the horses’ decorations as they trot along the procession route. The event is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Japan, honoring both the animals and the agricultural communities that rely on them.
Handcrafted with intricate attention to detail — from the brush-like tail to the multicolored reins and gold-accented saddle — this folk ornament embodies protection, good harvest, and gratitude. It’s often kept as a charm for safety and fortune, especially among families with children.
A symbol of regional pride and rural tradition, this Chagu Chagu Umako figure is a charming piece of Japanese heritage perfect for collectors of traditional crafts and horse lovers alike.
