Haniwa, a type of terracotta clay figure crafted during the Kofun period (c. 250-538 CE) in Japan. These figures were created as funerary objects, placed in and around the tombs (kofun) of the elite. The term "haniwa" translates to "circle of clay," referencing their arrangement around the burial mounds. 

Key aspects of Haniwa history and purpose:

• Function:

  Haniwa served multiple purposes, including marking the boundaries of tombs, protecting the deceased from evil spirits, and possibly representing the possessions or attendants needed in the afterlife. Some theories suggest they were substitutes for human sacrifices. 

• Forms:

  Early Haniwa were simple, cylindrical shapes, but they evolved to include detailed representations of people, animals, and buildings. Human-shaped Haniwa depict various social classes, such as warriors, priestesses, nobles, farmers, and musicians, providing insights into the life and society of the Kofun period. Animal Haniwa often feature horses, birds, boars, and dogs, with horses being the most common. 

• Construction:

  Haniwa were made from water-based clay, shaped, and dried. The protruding parts were made separately and then attached, with details carved in and smoothed with a wooden paddle. They were placed on terraces with cylindrical bases inserted into the ground for stability. 

• Evolution:

  Over time, Haniwa designs became more elaborate, reflecting changes in funerary practices and possibly the rise of the Yamato state. By the late Kofun period, the construction of large kofun and the use of Haniwa declined, possibly due to the influence of Buddhism. 

• Significance:

  Haniwa are crucial for understanding the Kofun period's social hierarchy, cultural practices, and artistic skills. Detailed Haniwa figures, especially those depicting warriors and horses, offer valuable information about the military and equestrian equipment of the time.