Jomon civilization (5) clay figure 2014/12/26
Around 18,000 clay figures of Jomon period were excavated so far. The oldest one was around 12,000 years old and people kept making figures for around 10,000 years until Jomon period ended.
Most of figures imitated either humans or various animals. Although figures were found mostly in eastern parts of Japan, they were found throughout the Japanese archipelago. The average size is around 20cm and shapes changed as time went on.
One of the oldest clay figures found in Aomori pref.
Venus of Jomon were mostly made in mid Jomon period, around 5,000years ago.
The common size of clay figures are around 20cm while most Venuses are around 40-45cm high with beautifully balanced bodies. Moreover most of these figures were found unbroken.
Goggle-eyed figure which have extraordinary big eyes with an exaggerated bust and hip were mostly found in late Jomon period.
Most of clay figures were found in broken condition or with some missing parts. It is presumed clay figures were originally designed to be separated after use.
It is still difficult to understand exactly for what purpose people made figures or why they broke figures before dumping.
However it is undoubted Jomon people made clay figures to express their sincere appreciation and respect for spirits of all livings.
After Yayoi period when full scale agriculture prevailed in the archipelago, clay figures suddenly disappeared. It is presumed clay figures had to do with hunting and fishing life style.
