Researchers found a clay figure at Nishikaminomiya, northwest of Tokyo, Japan. It came from a burial hill from the fifth century, about 1,500 years ago. Experts think the figure shows a female religious leader. It may have stood there to guard the tomb.
Only the head and upper body remain. Together, they are about 16 inches tall. The figure was once much larger. Researchers found it in a ditch around the burial hill, which measured about 145 feet across.
The team also found a boat-shaped box for a dead body inside the hill. They think the figure once stood near this box. It probably moved down the hill over time and fell into the ditch.
The figure has hair tied high on its head, a large nose, and carefully made fingers. It wears clay bracelets with red color on both wrists and a painted red band across its body. Its left hand holds a stick-like object for religious events. Women in this religious role led funeral events and gave advice about spiritual matters.
Researchers have worked at the site since 2020. The figure is now on display at the Excavation Information Museum in Shibukawa.
