1.
clay figurine, earthen figure
A small humanoid or animal figure made of clay, primarily associated with the Jomon period (circa 14,000-300 BCE) of Japanese prehistory. These artifacts are considered important cultural properties.
Usage
土偶 refers specifically to the clay figurines from prehistoric Japan, especially the 縄文時代 (Jomon period). They are distinct from 埴輪, which are the hollow clay figures placed around burial mounds during the later 古墳時代 (Kofun period).
Cultural note
The most famous 土偶 is the 遮光器土偶 (goggle-eyed figurine), recognized for its distinctive large eyes. Many 土偶 have been designated as 国宝 (national treasures). Their exact purpose remains debated, but they are thought to have served ritual or spiritual functions.