A matoi(纏matoi, まとい) is an object used in Edo period Japan by firemen(火消しhikeshi) to notify people of a fire nearby or within a building. It was put on the nearby roof of the burning building by the matoi holder(纏持matoi mochi). Each different group of firemen in the Edo period had their own matoi to identify themselves. In modern Japan, the matoi is only used for ceremonial purposes.