lea.mccomas Shisa - Before moving to Colorado, I lived on the island of Okinawa, Japan. A common custom there is to place one or two Shisa lions at the entrance to a building or atop the roof. The Shisas are believed to ward off evil spirits and attract good fortune. Their appearance varies from ferocious to comical. This piece is made entirely from vintage kimono fabrics, and was inspired by the shisa atop my neighbor's roof.