Magatama and Earrings

• Title: Magatama and Earrings
• Creator: Unknown
• Culture: Japanese Kofun period
• Date: 5th Century
• Physical Dimensions: Magatama’s height – 4 cm, Earings – 0.2 cm thick.
• Object Date(Japanese): 古墳時代5世紀 Kofun Period 5th Century
• Excavation(Japanese): 埼玉県行田市埼玉 埼玉古墳群稲荷山古墳出土 Saitama, Gyoda City, Saitama Unearthed from the Saitama Tumulus Group Inariyama Tumulus
• Texture: Magatama – Jade, Earings – silver
• Link of source: https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/magatama-and-earrings-unknown/YAGboS3OEzEUTQ

The magatama (勾玉) is an unique type of jewelry that serves both decorational purposes as necklace or bead and superstitious purposes as people believe there’s spiritual power inside the magatama. This magatama was found in a tomb with earings by its side, which suggests that it serves the purpose of guiding and guarding the dead one’s spirit according to the folklore and shintoism.

The magatama was originally a larger piece of jade that’s been cut, carved, and polished into its current shape. There is a hole through one end of the magatama so the magatama could be hung as a decoration on a necklace, a belt, or other jewelries.

I think this magatama shows great craftsmanship. I have some personal speculations or simple guesses that the shape of magatama was inspired by the Ta Chi 太极 originated in China. Magatama looks like half of the Taiji graph. Either Yin or Yang, both parts have implication of life and death. Moreover, the idea of balancing everything and flow of energy and power of Ta Chi was somehow reflected on the several purposes of magatama.