Haniwa of a Female Shrine Attendant, 6th century, Unknown Japanese, 22 3/8 x 9 3/4 x 8 1/2 in. ( x x cm), Earthenware, Japan, 6th century, This haniwa, or clay funerary figurine, represents a female figure. Her necklace of magatama (claw- or fang-shaped jewels of special protective power) tells us that she is a miko, or shrine attendant, a respected position in early Japanese society. Traces of red pigment on her cheeks indicate tattoos or ceremonial face paint. In her original state she most likely wore a wide, flat hairdo that extended over her forehead.

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Size: 3763px × 5613px
Location:
Photo credit: © Penta Springs / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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