Shakōkidogū

nihongo|Shakōkidogū|遮光器土偶 are Japanese clay figures, or "dogū," created in the Jōmon era. It is so well known that when most Japanese hear the term "dogū," this is the image that comes to mind. The name "Shakōki" (literally, "light-blocking device") comes from the resemblance of the figures' eyes to traditional Inuit snow goggles.

Shakōkidogū are found mainly in the Tōhoku region, and most are from the late Jōmon era. It's distinguishing features are the slitted eyes from which their name derives, as well as the exaggerated (and possibly feminineFact|date=July 2008 | Who, exactly, suggests these things are female?) buttocks, chest and thighs. Furthermore, the abdomen is covered with patterns, many of which seem to have been painted with vermillion. The larger figures are hollow, presumably in order to prevent cracking during the firing processFact|date=July 2008 | Who has said this and where?.

Unbroken figures are rare, and most are missing an arm, leg, or other body part. In many cases the parts have been cut off. One theory is that parts of the figures may have been cut off in fertility ritualsFact|date=July 2008 | Who's theory is this?.

Because of the extremely distinctive shape, reminiscent of a space suit, there are those who suggest that the figures are depictions of ancient alien astronautsFact|date=July 2008 | Apparently so, but specific examples--e.g., an article from the magazine Muu, would be nice..

Archeological Sites Where Shakōkidogū Have Been Found

*The Kamegaoka Site in Tsugaru, Aomori Prefecture. Designated an Important Cultural Property.
*The Teshiromori Site in Morioka, Iwate Prefecture. Designated an Important Cultural Property.
*The Ebisuda Site in Tajiri, Miyagi Prefecture. Designated an Important Cultural Property.
*The Izumisawa Kaizuka Site in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture. Designated by the Prefecture as an Important Tangible Cultural Property.

hakōkidogū in Popular Culture

*The Digimon Shakkoumon is modeled on a Shakōkidogū.
*In the Yu-Gi-Oh! episode titled "A Duel with Darts - Part IV," the monster Orichalcos Shunoros is modeled on a Shakōkidogū.
*In the Yu-Gi-Oh! card game, a Spirit Monster called Maharaghi is modeled on (or might actually represent) a Shakōkidogū.
*In the animated Doraemon movie Nobita at the Birth of Japan, the character Tsuchidama is modeled on a Shakōkidogū.
*The Pokémon Claydol is modeled on a Shakōkidogū.
*Though described as "Mayan", the design of the character Huitzil from the videogame series "Darkstalkers" resembles a shakōkidogū.
*In Bakugan the warrior clayf is modeled on shakōkidogū

ee also

*Dogū
*Haniwa