Figurine of a Female, Japan, 10th-8th century BCE. Earthenware with traces of color, 19.37 × 13.49 × 9.84 cm. Minneapolis Institute of Art, The John R. Van Derlip Fund, 2016.46.

Over the years, archaeologists have uncovered many different kinds of clay figurines—dogū—dating to Japan’s prehistoric Jōmon period (14,000–300 bce)­. The most diverse forms have been excavated in northeastern Japan, where this figurine of a female was discovered. Some are seated, others standing, some have heart-shaped heads, others round and wearing headpieces, some have little or no surface decoration, and others, like this example, known as a shakōki or “goggle-eyed” type, have distinctive large eyes and are adorned with color and complex carved decorations. No one knows for sure how these figurines were used, but there are several theories. The prevailing theory holds that they served as talismans related to health and childbirth, and that after they were used they were purposefully broken and disposed of, which may account for the fact that dogū are found with missing limbs or other seemingly purposeful breaks.