The paper talisman (神札,Ofuda?) is a talisman used in Shinto practice as a ward against calamity and evil. In Mononoke, Ofuda are talismans used as protective wards to prevent the intrusion of the Mononoke. When a Mononoke appears, a bright red pattern appears on the Ofuda, thereby blocking the intrusion and corruption. However, if the Mononoke grows stronger, the Ofuda become less effective against it.
According to QnAs answered by Director Nakamura, each Medicine Seller is given Ofuda of their own that are modified to fit the kind of task they are given, depending on the circumstances and Mononoke they must exorcise.
Tenbin/Scales[]
The tenbin used by the Medicine Seller of Kun.
The tenbin used by the Medicine Seller of Ri.
The scales (天秤,Tenbin?) are exorcism tools used by the Medicine Sellers to measure the distance to the Mononoke. When the Mononoke appears, the scales tilt toward it, guiding the Medicine Seller to it. Each Medicine Seller seems to have unique tenbin as seen in both the anime and the movies.
