Head of a Clay Figure (Dogū)

Late Jomon period (ca. 1500–1000 BCE)

Not on view

This head was once attached to a dogū clay figure, a kind of ceramic sculpture particular to the Jōmon period of Japanese history. The vast majority of dogū are not found intact, most having their heads or limbs removed or bodies broken. It is unknown exactly why dogū were broken before being discarded, but some theories contend that the dogū represented a kind of “earth mother” figure, and that breaking the dogū propagated the spirit of the “earth mother” in order to bring fertility to the land.

Artwork Details

土偶
Title: Head of a Clay Figure (Dogū)
Period: Late Jomon period (ca. 1500–1000 BCE)
Culture: Japan
Medium: Earthenware
Dimensions: H. 2 1/8 in. (5.4 cm); W. 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm); D. 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm)
Classification: Ceramics
Credit Line: The Harry G. C. Packard Collection of Asian Art, Gift of Harry G. C. Packard, and Purchase, Fletcher, Rogers, Harris Brisbane Dick, and Louis V. Bell Funds, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, and The Annenberg Fund Inc. Gift, 1975
Object Number: 1975.268.189
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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