A 1,500-year-old clay figurine of a Shinto miko found in Japan sheds light on religious practices of the Kofun period.
Ancient figurine found in Japan
In Japan, the discovery of a 1,500-year-old clay figurine has provided new insights into the religious practices of the Kofun period, which spanned from the 3rd to the 6th century. The artifact, found in Isesaki, central Japan, is a haniwa, a type of funerary sculpture that adorned burials during this era.Figurine depicts a religious figure
The figurine depicts a miko, a woman who assisted priests in the ancient Japanese religion of Shinto, and is considered one of the oldest anthropomorphic figurines found in Gunma Prefecture. This type of sculpture is rare and offers a glimpse into the roles women played in religious ceremonies.Discovery during river project
The discovery was made during archaeological excavations at Nishikaminomiya, which began in 2020 as part of a river development project in the Kantō region. Researchers uncovered eleven burial mounds, including a 49-meter-long monument located in the center of an 18-meter-wide ditch. The figurine was hidden in this ditch.Well-preserved artifact details
The artifact has remarkably withstood the centuries, preserving many details and traces of pigments. It is approximately 41 centimeters tall, but it was originally larger, as its cylindrical base has not been found. Its head and torso remain intact, with clay cords arranged to form a braid, a hairstyle characteristic of mikos. The figurine also has a bracelet on the right wrist and ceremonial attire adorned with a belt. In her left hand, she holds a staff, which archaeologists consider a ritual instrument.Insights into ancient society
The figurine was found on a high-status burial site, providing valuable information about the ceremonial responsibilities and the social status of women during the Kofun period. It also provides detailed information about the clothing, hairstyles, jewelry, and symbols worn by shamans during this era. The discovery confirms the continued importance of indigenous religious traditions, particularly those related to the worship of kami, during the Kofun period.
