also: ひとおさ
noun
chief kagura dancer
Archaic term for the lead dancer in kagura performances at the imperial palace. Not used in modern Japanese outside historical or specialized contexts.
古い記録によると、人長は宮中の神楽で中心的な役割を担った。
According to old records, the 人長 played a central role in kagura at the imperial palace.
The term is composed of 人 (person) and 長 (chief/leader). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it refers to the lead performer in ancient court kagura.