Okinawa Shima

Anonymous manuscript map of Okinawa, drawn on a silk scarf.

This magnificent textile map was most likely created during the final months of WWII by a member of the 928th Engineer Aviation Regiment while stationed on Okinawa. A basic outline of the island is provided, along with the locations of major urban centers and a few scattered geographic features. Exaggerated illustrations of the sun, clouds, and palm trees likely reflect the high points of the soldiers stationed there.

A Japanese torii can be seen immediately below the title. These gateways are most often associated with Shinto shrines, and are used to mark the entrances to sacred spaces.