Dogū: Objects of Prayer in the Jomon Period

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 4, 2025 (Tue) - September 7, 2025 (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.

Major Work(s) on Exhibit 5 results

	Designation	Name	Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance	Period	Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number	CMT
	Important Cultural Property	Spouted Vessel with Human Figure Ornaments	Found in Hokuto City, Hokkaido, Previously owned by Ochiai Haruhiko	Jōmon period, 2000–1000 BC	J-37440
	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		Bell-Shaped Clay Object	Found in Hirosaki City, Aomori	Jōmon period, 2000–1000 BC	J-37270
Highlight	Important Cultural Property	Clay Mask	Found in Tsugaru City, Aomori	Jōmon period, 1000–400 BC	J-36874
Highlight	Important Cultural Property	Clay Tablet	Found at Fukuda Shell Mound, Ibaraki	Jōmon period, 1000–400 BC	Gift of Mr. Inoue Tsuneichi and Mrs. Inoue Fumiko, J-38401

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