Gangū
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Gangū (岩偶), sometimes translated as "stone figurines"[2] or "stone figures",[3] are the counterparts in stone to the clay dogū of Jōmon Japan.
The earliest-known stone figures from Japan include a "kokeshi-shape" figurine from the palaeolithic Iwato Site in Ōita Prefecture[4]: 49 and a number of Incipient Jōmon line-incised stones from Kamikuroiwa Iwakage Site in Ehime Prefecture.[5][6]: 164 Known in far fewer numbers than dogū, gangū have been found from contexts dating throughout the Jōmon period, with earlier examples being typically simpler in form.[7][8] They are generally made from stone that is relatively easy to work, including pumice, tuff, mudstone, and sandstone.[9] As with the clay dogū, many of those excavated were already broken in Jōmon times, likely indicative of some aspect of their ritual function.[8] More voluptuous examples with prominent breasts may represent a fertility goddess and/or relate to motherhood.[8]
Important Cultural Properties
One gangū has been designated an Important Cultural Property:
- Early Jōmon gangū (15.0 centimetres (5.9 in)) from Uchitai Site in Kosaka, Akita Prefecture (Keio University)[6]: 165 [10]
