Dogū: Objects of Prayer in the Jomon Period
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Clay Figurine (Dogū) with an Owl-Like Face, Found at the Shinpukuji Shell Mound, Saitama, Jōmon period, 2000–1000 BC (Important Cultural Property)
Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
March 5, 2024 (Tue) - September 1, 2024 (Sun)The most prominent objects of prayer from the Jomon period (ca. 11,000 BC–ca. 5th century BC) are dogu clay figurines. Even the earliest examples of these figurines have breasts, which suggests that they represent women, and their protruding bellies probably symbolize pregnancy. Therefore, it is believed that dogu figurines were created to pray for easy delivery of children, the birth of many children, and fertility.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Clay Figurine ("Dogū") with Goggle-Like Eyes | Found in Tsugaru City, Aomori | Jōmon period, 1000–400 BC | J-38392 | ||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Clay Figurine ("Dogū") with an Owl-Like Face | Found at the Shinpukuji Shell Mound, Saitama | Jōmon period, 2000–1000 BC | J-39223 | ||
| Highlight | Important Art Object | Bear-Shaped Clay Object | Found in Hirosaki City, Aomori | Jōmon period, 2000–1000 BC | J-37268 | ||
| Highlight | Clay Mask | Found in Hanyū City, Saitama | Jōmon period, 1000–400 BC | J-38330 | |||
| Highlight | Stone Figurine | Found in Nanbu Town, Aomori | Jōmon period, 1000–400 BC | J-37266 |