This is a set of two Akabeko, representing Aizu, Fukushima Prefecture! These are Akabeko magnets(^^) They are cute with Okiagari Koboshi riding on their backs♪ Although they are new and unused, please understand that there may be minor scratches, stains, and peeling due to initial imperfections. This is handmade quality, so please understand. I will also include an explanation of Akabeko and Okiagari Koboshi (*'▽'*)↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓ ★About Akabeko↓ Akabeko is a red cow papier-mâché doll. It is a local toy of the Aizu region and has been used as a charm to ward off evil spirits for children. The red color of the body is said to have the effect of warding off evil, and the spots are said to represent smallpox. In the Tensho era, papier-mâché production was introduced by technicians invited by Ujisato Gamo for industrial promotion. There are various theories about the origin of Akabeko, including the legend of a red cow that warded off an epidemic that spread in the Heian period, and the legend of a red cow that carried materials up a cliff during the reconstruction of Enzoji Temple (Yanaitzu Town)'s Kokuzo-do Hall, which was destroyed in the Aizu earthquake in the early Edo period (1611) (the different legend is described later). According to local historian Akio Ishii, in the Aizu region, red-haired cows called "Korean Beko," which are believed to have originated from the Asian continent, were used for cargo transport until the Showa period after World War II. Akabeko is made through the following processes. First, a wooden mold is carved with a chisel or knife, and layers of Japanese paper are glued on to form the shape. After the Japanese paper is dried, the back and belly are cut open with a knife, the wooden mold is removed from inside, and the cut parts are reattached with Japanese paper. Next, the whole is primed white with gofun (white pigment), and then painted red with a red dye dissolved in glue. Furthermore, the face and patterns are painted with ink, and finally, a weight is attached to the back of the neck and the head is hung with a thread so that the neck swings well. ★About Okiagari Koboshi↓ Okiagari Koboshi (also known as Okihime) is a lucky charm and local toy that has been passed down in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture since ancient times. It is one of the most familiar local toys to the people of Aizu, second only to "Akabeko," and has a cute appearance that resembles a child. In the Aizu region, people buy the number of Okiagari Koboshi equal to the number of family members + 1 at the first market held on January 10th every year called "Tokaiichi" and display them on the household altar for a year. Shinju Beko Shinju Beko Akabeko Akabeko Mosaku Kosakujo Keiko Otowata Qualia Rare Gold Aizu Traditional crafts Aizuwakamatsu Akabeko Folk crafts Racial difficulty Popular Okiagari Koboshi Okiagari Koboshi