Bell-Shaped Ritual Object (Dotaku)
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Object Label
Bronze objects known as dōtaku have been found deliberately buried along with other ritual objects at ancient agricultural sites throughout the western part of Honshū Island. Although their shape is clearly inspired by that of a hanging bell, they do not ring when struck because their walls are too thinly cast. The purpose of the dōtaku remains mysterious, but the fact that they were buried suggests that they were offerings for the earth, probably made as part of rituals to ensure bountiful crops.
Caption
Bell-Shaped Ritual Object (Dotaku), 100–300 C.E.. Bronze, 34 1/2 x 11 1/2 in. (87.6 x 29.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Milton J. Lowenthal, 67.198. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 67.198_PS9.jpg)
Collection
Collection
Title
Bell-Shaped Ritual Object (Dotaku)
Date
100–300 C.E.
Period
Middle to Late Yayoi Period
Geography
Place made: Japan
Medium
Bronze
Classification
Dimensions
34 1/2 x 11 1/2 in. (87.6 x 29.2 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Milton J. Lowenthal
Accession Number
67.198
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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