Ever wonder what happens to the leftover straw after a rice harvest in Japan? Dinosaurs, that’s what. No wait, there’s more to it than that. There is a delightful festival that takes place in the forgotten fields where local artists are encouraged to create huge sculptures that make use of the discarded straw in the fields. Wooden framework allows those watching to be involved with sculptures and has made the festival famous around the world. The following photos show some of the most impressive creations created out of straw ever. It’s hard to imagine ever wanting to do anything else with the straw, especially since it is creating an extinct species.
More info: city.niigata.lg.jp (h/t: demilked, rocketnews24)
Niigata Prefecture holds its Wara Art Festival every August 31st
“Wara” means rice-straw in Japanese
Rice-straw is a by-product of the yearly rice harvest
The straw is attached to wooden frames to provide stability and allow for greater size
The results are surprising
Amy Goda studies art in Niigata Prefecture
Her incredible dinosaurs have attracted international attention
Various techniques are used to create the behemoths
The method used to build thatched cottages is similar to that used for the sculptures
