Images of shaman invoking spirits on the Yayoi pottery

This article discusses anthropomorphic images on the pottery of the Yayoi period in Japan. Distinctive figures are depicted wearing headdress of feathers, and holding shield and pickaxe. A vessel from the Shimizukaze site has a composition with two of such images. A similar image of a man with a shield and pickaxe appears on a clay bell-shaped object from Kawayori Yoshiwara. These images became widespread in the Middle-Late Yayoi period in Western Japan. The image of armed men wearing "bird” outfits is interpreted as a part of a ritual to drive out evil powers or prevent disasters. The ceramic objects also could be a part of the ritual. Clay figures placed in burials in the northwestern part of Western Japan could have performed similar functions. A unique painting on the wall of the burial chamber at Jono represents an anthropomorphic figure holding a weapon and shield, which indicates a protective function of the image. Such imagery can be linked with a shaman expelling evil spirits or with figure of Chinese fangxiangshi. The presence of such a character reflects connections with the spiritual world among the Yayoi people. The practice of using protective imagery continued into the Middle Ages in the form of images of the five protective deities. Currently the function of repelling the evil powers is performed by the sculptures offantastic animals at the entrance of shrines and temples. Hososhi character, who is a continuation of the image offangxiangshi, is a part of celebrating the beginning of a new year in temples.