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Haniwa, Head of a Man Wearing a Necklace

Culture Japanese
Title Haniwa, Head of a Man Wearing a Necklace
Date 3rd–6th century
Medium Earthenware with traces of pigment
Dimensions Object: 8 1/4 × 5 7/8 × 2 7/8 in. (21 × 14.9 × 7.3 cm)
Overall (with mount): 10 × 6 1/8 × 4 1/8 in. (25.4 × 15.6 × 10.5 cm)
Credit Line William Lowe Bryan Memorial, Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University
Accession Number 58.38

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About this Work

The term haniwa which translates as “circle of clay,” refers to sculptures produced in Japan between the third and seventh century. The earliest were simple, hollow clay cylinders but by the fourth century had evolved into evocative sculptures of people, emblems, animals and architecture. Although there purpose is unknown their placement on the surface of large tombs suggests that they are symbols of power or guardians of the dead. The figure wears a necklace of what might have been bear claws or curved stones and his face is highlighted in red ochre. Both features suggest the special status of the figure.


Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.

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"Haniwa, Head of a Man Wearing a Necklace | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2025. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=58.38