The Heart-Shaped Clay Figurine, unearthed at the Gohara Archaeological Site in Higashiagatsuma, Gunma Prefecture, is one of the town’s most important cultural treasures. Believed to have been created during the Late Jōmon period, this remarkable figurine is highly regarded for its distinctive artistic form and archaeological significance.
Because of its exceptional cultural and artistic value, the figurine was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 1965. It is currently preserved on loan at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno, Tokyo.
The Heart-Shaped Clay Figurine was discovered in 1941 during archaeological investigations associated with the construction of what is now JR Gohara Station on the Agatsuma Line. At the time, Japan was in the midst of World War II, making detailed archaeological research difficult. The discovery was officially announced after the war, in 1951, bringing the figurine to wider public attention.
The figurine was found in three pieces within a feature surrounded by river stones, which is believed to have been a burial site. Although the tip of the left foot is missing, the figurine remains approximately 30.5 centimeters tall and is relatively well preserved.
Its discovery provides valuable evidence for understanding the spiritual beliefs, funerary practices, and worldview of the Jōmon people.
The most striking feature of the figurine is, as its name suggests, its heart-shaped face. The face is tilted slightly upward and has a broad, dish-like outline. The nose is clearly defined, while the eyes are represented by raised areas of clay combined with short incised lines.
A rod-like projection at the back of the head is another distinctive feature that helps identify the figurine.
The body has widely extended arms and sturdy legs and hips that allow the figure to stand upright. It is generally thought to represent a female figure. The depiction of a central line and what may represent a birth canal has led to interpretations that the figurine may have been associated with birth, fertility, and prayers for abundance.
Its bold yet carefully balanced proportions have attracted attention not only from archaeologists but also from the world of art.
When the figurine was first discovered, it was not regarded primarily as a work of art. Over time, however, its highly original heart-shaped design and powerful yet refined form attracted increasing attention, and its artistic qualities came to be appreciated as an example of prehistoric or “primitive” art.
The avant-garde artist Taro Okamoto is well known for his strong interest in Jōmon culture and its expressive forms. Elements reminiscent of Jōmon artistic traditions can also be seen in his famous work, the Tower of the Sun. Comparing the two can offer an interesting perspective on the enduring influence of Jōmon aesthetics on modern Japanese art.
The Heart-Shaped Clay Figurine was officially designated a National Important Cultural Property in 1965. Its fame spread even further in 1981, when a 90-yen definitive postage stamp featuring the figurine was issued throughout Japan.
The meaning of the figurine’s unusual heart-shaped face remains a subject of debate. One interpretation suggests that it represents a figure wearing a ceremonial mask, while another proposes that the face itself was intentionally and dramatically stylized. No single interpretation has been definitively established.
From an anthropological perspective, the figurine may also have been connected with the ritual practices and beliefs of the Jōmon people. Some theories suggest that it may have symbolized ceremonies associated with cultivation, fertility, or prayers for a successful harvest.
One particularly intriguing theory points to the resemblance between the figurine’s face and the cross-section of an Japanese walnut. The geographic distribution of Heart-Shaped Clay Figurines also overlaps with areas where Japanese walnut trees were found, providing an interesting basis for this interpretation.
Another view holds that clay figurines represented the personification or deification of the earth and the natural world. These different interpretations make the Heart-Shaped Clay Figurine an important clue to understanding the Jōmon people’s relationship with nature, life, and the spiritual world.
The people of Higashiagatsuma continue to cherish the Heart-Shaped Clay Figurine as one of the town’s cultural treasures. A statue of the figurine stands at Arai Intersection, quietly welcoming and watching over visitors to the area.
Many people in Japan may have encountered images of this distinctive figurine in school textbooks or cultural materials without realizing that it was discovered in Higashiagatsuma. Learning about its connection to the town offers a deeper appreciation of the area’s archaeological heritage.
In addition, another famous type of Jōmon figurine, the Shakōki-dogū or “Goggle-Eyed Clay Figurine,” has also been unearthed at an archaeological site in the town in recent years. With multiple important discoveries associated with clay figurines, Higashiagatsuma can be described as a place with an especially rich connection to Jōmon culture.
The Heart-Shaped Clay Figurine is far more than an archaeological artifact. It is a precious cultural heritage that offers a glimpse into the spiritual world, artistic sensibilities, and relationship with nature of the Jōmon people.
When visiting Higashiagatsuma, take a moment to consider the history behind this remarkable figure and the possible meanings of its distinctive form.
After surviving for more than 3,000 years, the figurine continues to tell a quiet story of prayers for life, fertility, and respect for the natural world. Combined with the beautiful natural surroundings of Higashiagatsuma, its story offers visitors a fascinating opportunity to experience the enduring mystery and romance of ancient Jōmon culture.