 Haniwa
and Culture
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In the Kofun Era (300 AD - 710 AD), we must mention that Kofun Era pottery
was harder than Yayoi Era (300 BC - 300 AD) pottery. It was also wheel-turned.
In these tombs were found the first of the HANIWA statues. These images
were also of clay and both male and female with garments, jewelry and
hair styles, carefully shown. Animal statues were also found, especially
horses.
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Among many other ancient artifacts of this period, one deer statue can
be seen in the Fudoki no Oka Museum in Matsue. Showing the impact of a
new invasion of culture, the HANIWA mentioned above as representing men
and women had some colors applied, especially red. The dress is a close
copy of that of the Mongols or Chinese of that period. It is also the
dress shown on the statues of Okuninushi at Izumo Taisha. Weapons found
in the tombs were most often similar to those of China or northern Asia.
The humming-arrow, which is mentioned in the story of Okuninushi no Mikoto
of Izumo Taisha, has also been found and is told of in stories of the
Mongol people. Apparently, it was used to draw the attention of soldiers
to a specific target, or as a signal arrow. I have read historical legends
of such a use for it.
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It is felt that the HANIWA were used to protect the dead. This practice
was used in China as well, but in much greater sizes and numbers. Other
cultures had such customs. Perhaps someday, I will have a chance to visit
those burial sites.
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In Japan, another significant item found in tombs, is the Curved Jewel.
I have talked about that item many times before, but you may be interested
to know that they have been found in Stone Age sites in Japan and were
made of horn, bone or stone. None of them were made of teeth or claws!
I still believe they symbolize fertility.
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