Studying the fundogata clay figurines of the Yayoi period, Japan

This article discusses some problems of studying the fundogata clayfigurines. Clayfigurines named “fundogata” date back to the Yayoi period in Japan. The figurines appeared in the Middle Yayoi period and became common in Western Japan, mainly in the area of the Seto Inland Sea coast. Most often, the figurines were found in settlement complexes, and, on one occasion, in a shell mound. The fundogata are anthropomorphic images; sometimes they have facial features, ornamentation, or holes. The figurines are quite typical in size, usually measuring 10-15 cm, and in visually observed details. The research history of the fundogata figurines is relatively short; the name “fundogata” became a part of scholarly discourse in the 1950s. This article overviews the theories on the origin of the fundogata figurines proposed by the Japanese scholars. Some scholars link their origins with clay dogu figurines of the Jomon period. This point of view is based on parallels in shapes and decoration on the dogu of the Nagahara type, Geimen type, and “bent” dogu. Despite the presence of common features, it has not been possible so far to confirm the direct origination of the fundogata figurines from dogu. There are several opinions on the function offundogata. Figurines were clearly a part of ritual practices in the Yayoi period, while their specific uses could vary from amulet to adornment or assistance in childbirth. The fundogata figurines are typical for the Kibi Province (thepresent-day Okayama Prefecture), where they might have appeared and subsequently spread to the neighboring territories. Since the figurines are unique and have no parallels on the continent, they are considered to be a hallmark of the Yayoi culture for the modern areas of Chugoku-Shikoku.