HANIWA: Clay figurines from ancient tombs

by Momoyo Nishimura

Japan's history began with the peaceful Jomon period, which lasted for 16,500 years, and was free of war.Next came the Yayoi period, when rice cultivation began, and gradually wealthy clans emerged.Then, from the second half of the 3rd century, large tombs of local rulers began to appear.This continued until around the 7th century. Haniwa figures were lined up on top of these tombs. They were mass-produced in climbing kilns using unglazed pottery. At first, they were basically cylindrical and served as a kind of barrier to protect the tomb. Later, figures of buildings, animals, people, etc. were made.One theory is that when a king died in another country, his retainers were offered as sacrifices, and so Haniwa were invented to replace them.
In any case, the number of existing kofun is said to be greater than the number of convenience stores, but many of the haniwa that are left exposed to the elements are buried in the ground or are in the process of crumbling. However, from the haniwa that remain, we are gradually learning about the lifestyle, society, and history of the time. These haniwa may shed light on the most obscure part of ancient history, before the establishment of the Yamato Court, which is connected to the current Imperial family.

64 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 3, 2025