also: いんべ
noun
Imbe clan
Historical term for an ancient Shinto priestly family. The clan was responsible for ritual purification and religious ceremonies.
斎部氏は古代の祭祀を司った氏族である。
The Imbe clan was a family that oversaw ancient rituals.
The name 斎部 (Imbe) is of ancient Japanese origin, associated with the Shinto priestly class. The exact derivation is uncertain, but it is traditionally linked to ritual purification (斎) and the clan's hereditary role.