Legacy Chest Time Capsule

Legacy Chest

My name is Murakachi Shukitu. I lived in the Heian Kyo period which dominated from 794-1185 (McCullough, 1990). I live amongst poets and scholars, at what is considered the second level of court aristocracy. In my society, a woman has a duty to be married. My husband has several wives. I have selected six items which I hope best demonstrate the role of women in this society, as well as those that express my desire for a better life for my female heirs.

As a poet I have a great love of learning, yet as is common among women living during my time I never pursued a formal education. Rather I live a life much like that of a recluse, spending many hours hidden behind a screen so that I might remain faithful and pious. For the Legacy Chest, I would like to leave the following six items for future societies to remember my culture by: a bottle of perfume, an embroidered gown, a calligraphy pen, a flute, sea-weed shampoo and a small engraved Buddha.

The gown I have left is a close fitting dress, embroidered with lotus flowers, overlaid with bright purples and scarlet red tones, mixed with brilliant blue. Silk is woven in the garment, the hem is embroidered elegantly. Traditionally during my time such decadent colors were reserved only for the costumes and gowns of the aristocracy, primarily the empress. It is my hope that women in future generations will have permission to wear all of the amazing colors available in the spectrum. Silk material is representative of high class and rank as well. Costume is an important means of expressing individuality, rank and class in society. It is not uncommon for women who rank high in society to have a dozen or more various dresses, of various weights for different seasons of the year, each embroidered with silks and lace. Women are expected to maintain an image that is beautiful.

A calligraphy pen is an essential tool for a poet of my time, and as a woman poet I must be ready at any point to compose a love poem or sonnet to my husband or lover. I also have used the pen many times to express my sorrow at living such a sequestered life. Women are not encouraged to roam freely about, but rather are kept hidden from society, only allowed to be viewed upon by their husbands and family. Husbands visit infrequently. I am not encouraged to speak out openly and express myself, and thus rely upon the written word to express my hopes, dreams, desires and sorrows.

I wish upon my future female heir the freedom and ability to express themselves freely. Poetry is in fact one of the most favorite past times of many women. Poetry helps express identity, passion age and status in society. The written word is perhaps the only means a woman has to establish their identity in a society where women live a life in seclusion. Women often compose diaries, narratives and memoirs using the written word. The written word is also often transposed into musical verse.

A woman's hair must traditionally be long and kept clean. It is tradition during my time that the longer your hair, the more attractive you appear. In contrast to a woman's fair skin and elegant clothes, long, black and silky hair is considered a great prize. Hair combs also are often used to adorn a woman's luxurious main, and help promote the ideal kempt woman. Thus, I leave sea-weed shampoo, which is popularly used among the women of this generation to keep their long hair silky and smooth. It is not my intention however, to claim that I accept the role I am assigned as a subservient woman, keeping my long hair to attract suitors. Rather it is my hope that future generations will have the freedom to wear their hair any way they please, and that a suitor might be interested in a woman for her personality and drive, rather than by her looks alone.

Women also use a variety of perfumes to enhance their smell. The perfume is also indicative of the importance of looking, smelling and feeling good. Often the perfume I use is placed not only upon my being, but also upon notes and letters. A characteristic scent is almost as important as a sense of self. It can entice a potential mate, or leave a lasting impression of confidence or distinctiveness. Perfumes are a mainstay of a women's wardrobe and personal collection. Often pressed from fresh flowers, a woman was often most recognized by her scent before her image. This is why perfume was selected for the legacy chest.

Religion and spirituality are deeply engrained in my every thought and wakefulness; thus the little Buddha I leave to remind future generations of the importance of connectivity and oneness. Shintoism or Buddhism are important staples of everyday life during my time. My beliefs include the knowledge and faith that many times might I be re-born into some other lifestyle or life. All people are connected, and the Buddha acts as a symbol of remembrance to our tie with each other, with nature and with all creatures upon the earth. Belief in Buddhism is also a woman's source of salvation; the Buddha promotes equal opportunity for enlightenment for men and women, and is one of the few instances where women have an opportunity to be free. There are some women in this society that devote themselves to religion and become nuns not wives. Everyone regardless of their rank in society or class have the potential to reach a greater spiritual place through meditation and piety.