Tomb Priestess (Haniwa)

Currently not on view

Tomb Priestess (Haniwa)

5th - 6th century

Artist/maker unknown, Japanese

This half-length female figure is dressed in a coat-like garment tied in the front with two bow knots. She wears a beaded necklace and hoop earrings attached to clusters of beads, and her hair is swept up into a flat beret-like coiffure. Her face is painted with dark red pigment, possibly indicating her status as a shaman or priestess who presides over the funeral ceremony.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Tomb Priestess (Haniwa)
Haniwa

Date:

5th - 6th century

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Japanese

Medium:

Terracotta

Dimensions:

19 1/4 x 8 3/4 inches (48.9 x 22.2 cm)

Classification:

Ceremonial

Credit Line:

The Louis E. Stern Collection, 1963

Accession Number:

1963-181-211

Geography:

Made in Japan, Asia

Context:

Period: Kofun Period (250-538)

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Currently not on view