Making national news in May 2010 was the discovery of Japan’s oldest clay figure (called “doguu” 土偶) in Higashi-Omi. Slightly larger than a human thumbnail, the tiny clay figure is about 1.3 cm tall and depicts the upper torso of a female. Though the head is missing, the figure shows an ample bust and narrower waist.
The clay sculpture has been dated as from the early Jomon Period, about 13,000 years ago. It was found in the Aidani-kumahara ruins (相谷熊原遺跡) in Higashi-Omi’s Eigenji area near the Echigawa River. They found it in a pillar hole.
The clay figure will be on public display as follows:
| Period | Place | Hours | Addresss/Phone | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 9-20 | Eigenji Public Library | 10:00-18:00 | 東近江市山上町830-1 0748-27-8050 |
Mon., Tue. |
| June 23-July 4 | Notogawa Museum (能登川博物館) |
10:00-18:00 | 東近江市山路町2225 0748-42-6761 |
Mon., Tue., June 25 |
| July 7-16 | Azuchi Castle Archaeological Museum (安土城考古博物館) |
9:00-17:00 | 近江八幡市安土町下豊浦6678 0748-46-2424 |
Mon. |
| July 17-Aug. 31 | Shiga-ken Maizo Bunkazai Center (滋賀県埋蔵文化財センター) |
9:00-17:00 | 大津市瀬田南大萱町1732-2 077-548-9780 |
|
| Sept. 3-12 | Omi-Shonin Museum (近江商人博物館) |
9:30-16:30 | 東近江市五箇荘竜田町583 0748-48-7101 |
Mon. |
Info in Japanese:
http://www.shiga-bunkazai.jp/event/kokuchi/aidani.html
