Archaeologists have discovered a human-shaped clay figure at Nishikaminomiya, northwest of Tokyo, Japan. It was found at a fifth-century burial mound, a hill built over a tomb. Experts believe it represents a female religious leader who may have guarded the tomb.
The surviving head and upper body measure about 16 inches tall, so the complete figure would have been much larger. Archaeologists found it in a moat, or surrounding ditch, beside the mound, which measured about 145 feet across. They believe it originally stood near a boat-shaped coffin inside the mound before gradually sliding downhill into the moat.
The figure's hair is tied in a traditional high knot, which helps experts identify its religious role. Women in this role connected people with the spiritual world in the Shinto religion. They performed funeral ceremonies and provided spiritual guidance.
The figure has a prominent nose and carefully shaped fingers. Clay bracelets decorated with red color cover both wrists, while a red band is painted across its upper body. Its left hand holds a rod-shaped ceremonial object. These small details show the care involved in making it.
Excavations at the site have continued since 2020. The figure is now displayed at the Excavation Information Museum in Shibukawa.
