---
node: shakoki_dogu
type: art
slug: shakoki_dogu
title: "Shakōki-dogū"
lead: "The Shakōki-dogū is the most famous clay figurine of Japan's Jōmon culture, excavated in 1887 at the Kamegaoka site in Aomori Prefecture. Its enormous goggle-like eyes have made it the visual icon of the Jōmon period."
published: 2026-07-11
updated: 2026-07-11
image_file: shakoki_dogu.jpg
image_source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%E9%9D%92%E6%A3%AE%E7%9C%8C%E3%81%A4%E3%81%8C%E3%82%8B%E5%B8%82%E6%9C%A8%E9%80%A0%E4%BA%80%E3%83%B6%E5%B2%A1%E5%87%BA%E5%9C%9F_%E9%81%AE%E5%85%89%E5%99%A8%E5%9C%9F%E5%81%B6-2.JPG"
image_author: "Saigen Jiro"
image_license: "Public domain"
---

## Overview

The figurine is a dogū of the Final Jōmon period (c. 1000–c. 400 BC) and the best-known work of Japan's Jōmon culture. It was excavated in 1887 at the Kamegaoka site in Tsugaru, Aomori Prefecture.

## Description

The hollow figurine stands about 34 cm tall, is missing its left leg, and is covered all over in elaborate cord-marked and incised patterns. The enormous eyes that give it its name were likened, when the type was named in the Meiji era, to the snow goggles (shakōki) worn by Arctic peoples. Its purpose is uncertain; ritual use, such as fertility or healing rites, is commonly suggested but not proven.

## History and legacy

Since its excavation it has been held by the Tokyo National Museum and is designated an Important Cultural Property. Its striking form has become the visual icon of Jōmon culture, appearing again and again wherever the period is introduced.