also: ともべ
noun
group of court workers (Yamato period)
Historical term for a group of people who served the imperial court during the Yamato period. Not used in modern Japanese outside historical contexts.
品部は、大和時代に朝廷に仕えた集団を指す歴史用語である。
Shinabe is a historical term referring to groups that served the imperial court during the Yamato period.
noun
craftsmen and artisans under the ritsuryō system
Under the ritsuryō legal system, 品部 referred to various groups of specialized craftsmen and artisans. This usage is also historical.
律令制下では、品部は様々な手工業に従事した。
Under the ritsuryō system, shinabe engaged in various crafts.
The term 品部 is a historical designation; its exact derivation is uncertain, but it is conventionally associated with the kanji 品 (goods, items) and 部 (division, group), reflecting the groups' roles in producing goods for the court.