Dogū ("clay idol/figurine") also known as "figures of prayer" are small humanoid and animal figures made in the Jomon period of prehistoric Japan.
Dogu are and are found in a variety of different shapes which depict figures with upstretched hands, pregnant women close to giving birth, and figures with extremely large faces. Some appear to wear goggles or have 'heart-shaped' faces. Most have marks on the face, chest and shoulders, which suggest tattooing and probable incision with bamboo. The breasts, small waists, and wide hips of females are representative of goddesses. Many have the large stomachs associated with pregnancy, suggesting that the Jomon considered them Mother Goddesses.
The purpose of the Dogū remains unclear but, most likely, the Dogū acted as effigies of people, that manifested some kind of sympathetic magic. For example, it may have been believed that illnesses could be transferred into the Dogū, then destroyed, clearing the illness, or any other misfortune. Strangely, dogu are reminiscent of spacenauts wearing masks and spacesuits.
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Mythological Creatures
FantasyDo you know what an Ifrit is, or how Will-o'-the-Wisp attract people? Do you want to put a certain mythological creature in your story, but are confused on where to look it up? Well, you've come to the right place! "Mythological Creatures" will take...
