Haniwa are: Iconic, fetishistic, historical, cultural, funerary, sublime, honorific, symbolic, representational, and just plain neat.
Haniwa are: Iconic, fetishistic, historical, cultural, funerary,
sublime, honorific, symbolic, representational, and just plain neat.
"The Kofun, or Tumulus, period (c. A.D. 300-c. A.D. 500) is named for the mound-covered tombs of clan chieftains built during these centuries, which saw the gradual consolidation of central authority. Artifacts from these tombs, including armor and a variety of ornamental objects, reflect close contact with the Korean Peninsula during the period. The tombs were bordered by clay cylinders called haniwa, which were often mounted by simple but expressive clay sculptures, most notably human and animal forms."
Chronology of Japan's Fine Arts.
Japan: A Pocket Guide, 1996 Edition (Foreign Press Center)
At the two earliest known burial mounds,
Chausuyama and
Hiwasushime no Mikota , haniwa
were found near the summit of
the mound. Thus, haniwa are a distinctive element of the Tumulus Period.
Tumuli were built throughout the entire are which is now Japan; haniwa have been
found on all except those in the Northernmost areas.
The earliest forms were simple cylinders. Later, military implements, animals,
and humans were represented (see my
list of types).
All of the forms have a charming simplicity. In part, this was
due to the practical nature of the craft: after an important person died, many of these sculptures
were needed before the burial ceremony. Also, they were intended to be seen from a distance.
Still, haniwa have revealed many important details about life during this period.
The Kofun era faded out with the introduction of Buddhism. Bodies were cremated and no longer
buried, and Buddhist priests wanted to re-direct the enormous resources from tomb-building
into temple-building.
Several Japanese cities have
Haniwa Festivals in November.
Note:
Contributions to the
'Send Darin to the Haniwa Festival' Fund
can be made in any amount.
Contact me for more details.
Yayoi Period : 250 B. C. -- 250 A. D
Influx of ideas and people from the mainland
(China, Mongolia, Korea). Rice cultivation, ceramics, politics.
Kofun period : 250 A. D. Burial mounds (Kofun, Tumuli) for Emporers and clan chieftans. Haniwa. Consolidation of tribes and clans. This period is also called "The Yamato Period" (in Schauwecker's Guide , anyway), which refers to the area which was the base of power during unification. The Yamato area is in present-day Nara prefecture, also known as the Kinai, Kansai, or Kinki area. (are you confused yet?).
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