Haniwa tomb figure

Description

Clay tomb sculptures known as haniwa (clay cylinder), were placed on the surface of earthen burial mounds during the Kofun period (300–710). Haniwa ranged from plain cylinders to cylinders mounted with figures, animals, or even complex architecture. Plain cylinders are characteristic of early burial sites, while figural haniwa are not found until the fifth century. The intended function of these sculptures, like this hollow figure with a necklace, earring, and belt, is still debated. One possible theory suggests that haniwa models served to protect and demonstrate the boundary between the realms of the living and the dead. This figure has combed patterns along the torso, arms, and portions of the head, perhaps indicating clothing and hair. The headdress, arms and necklace were decorated with white pigment, traces of which are still visible.