Dogu (Clay Figurine)

Dogu (clay figures) associated with Kamegaoka Culture in the Tohoku region during the Final Jomon period are called shakokidogu (snow goggle clay figures; literally "light-blocking device" clay figures) and are widely known. Among these shakokidogu, this is the most famous one since it has been published in school textbooks.　It has a crown-shaped projection on the head, which looks like rising smoke, as well as small ears, nose and mouth that form a striking contrast to greatly deformed big eyes. Short arms and legs are attached to a fat body with broad shoulders and clay cords with lumps are pasted around the neck and on the chest like ornaments. The decoration effect is enhanced by placing cloud-like patterns on the back of the head, shoulders and the body via the surikeshijomon technique. Since some red color remains on the crown-shaped projection, it is assumed that originally the entire body was painted red.The outstanding design sense and molding capability of the Jomon people demonstrated in this specimen are still loved and cherished by many people, as exemplified by the fact that a monument of shakokidogu has been built in front of a local train station.