Bell-Shaped Ritual Object (Dotaku)

100–300 C.E.

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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)

Title

Bell-Shaped Ritual Object (Dotaku)

Date

100–300 C.E.

Period

Middle to Late Yayoi Period

Geography

Place made: Japan

Medium

Bronze

Classification

Ceremonial

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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