Haniwa in the form of female shaman, one of a pair

The flat hairdress and curved hair ornaments of these two haniwa [B60S164+, B60S165+] identify them as female figures. The comma-shaped pendants of their necklaces represent stone or glass beads, while the circular disks at their waists are probably meant to be mirrors. The painted colors on their torsos may represent scarves of colored fabric. The colors on their faces indicate tattooing or temporary painting, suggesting that these are not ordinary women but shamans.

These two haniwa were acquired from the same source at the same time and were probably excavated from the same archaeological site. Their similar size and appearance suggest that they were made in the same workshop.