ornamental purposes. Usually, if the tops are cut vertically, the enshrined is a male, otherwise a female. The , a short decorative log, is often found behind the . Depending on the building, there may be only one accompanying the , or an entire row along the ridge of the roof. The angle at which the faces and the number of the building contains are used to identify the gender of the enshrined within. Upward-facing, with an even number of indicate a female . Outward-facing , with an odd number of indicate a male . This is not a hard and fast rule, as there are exceptions (such as the shrines in Ise Grand Shrine.) Names Names for can vary from region. In Kyoto, Nara Prefecture, and Hiroshima, they are called . In parts of Toyama, Osaka, Kōchi, Tokushima and Miyazaki prefectures, they are called ; in some areas of Yamagata, Miyagi, Yamanishi, Hiroshima and Kōchi prefectures, they are called . Gallery See also Glossary of Shinto for terms concerning Shinto and Shinto architecture. Notes References Fletcher, Banister, Sir. (1996). A History of Architecture. Architectural Press. . Lucas, B. (2002, May 7). . Harvey Mudd College Web. Retrieved June 1, 2009 Japanese architectural features Classical Japan Roofs Shinto architecture