Haniwa of Female Shaman (Miko)
Artist
Japanese
DateKofun Period, 3rd–6th century CE
Mediumearthenware
Dimensions49.5 x 25.4 x 19.5 cm (19 1/2 x 10 x 7 11/16 in.)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineAlexander H. Bullock Fund
Terms
Object number1964.70
Label TextHaniwa are hollow, terracotta cylinders surmounted by sculptural images of architecture, animals or humans. They were sunk into the earth in a protective circle around the huge tomb-mounds of the clan leaders of the Kofun (“Old Mound”) period. This figure with a cylindrical base represents a female shaman (miko). Her face is articulated with a wedge-shaped nose and perforations for the eyes and mouth. The string of beads, headdress (or elaborate coiffure), and diagonal sash may be part of her ceremonial attire.ProvenanceN.V. Hammer, Inc., New York, NYOn View
Not on view
Chinese
first half of the 8th century, Tang dynasty (618–906)